Not everything follows the hypothesis, but that is also valuable knowledge
After several years of research, analysis, and collaboration, Antonia Vania Adji has now completed and submitted her PhD. As part of the Nutrition Pillar within the PIG-PARADIGM project, her work has focused on a key challenge in pig production: post-weaning diarrhea and gut health.
At the center of her research is a straightforward but important question: how dietary fiber can support healthier piglets during one of the most vulnerable stages of their lives. “My PhD is about the influence of dietary fiber on post-weaning diarrhea, gut health, and nutrient digestibility,” Antonia explains. “This period right after weaning is a critical phase for piglets, where they are more vulnerable to stress and infections such as E. coli. I wanted to explore whether dietary fiber could help support gut health during this stage.”
To investigate this, she carried out two animal trials—one involving an E. coli challenge and one without. Through both studies, piglets were fed diets with different fiber compositions, including soluble and insoluble fiber, alongside control diets. Samples collected throughout the experiments made it possible to explore how these diets influenced the gut environment. “We looked at microbiota, fermentation patterns, and also physicochemical properties like viscosity,” she says, describing the broader analytical approach.
While the results provided valuable insights, they did not always follow expectations. “We did see some differences, but also some results that were not what we expected,” Antonia reflects. “Her research contributes to a growing understanding the role of dietary fiber in gut health, and that both the type and source of fiber are important considerations.
Beyond the scientific findings, her experience within PIG-PARADIGM has been a defining part of her PhD journey. “It was very educational,” Antonia says. “I learned many things—some things that I never expected to learn, like statistics and presentation skills.” At the same time, she highlights the complexity of working in a large, multi-partner research project. “It was also a very complicated situation because there were so many parties and institutions involved. There were quite high expectations, especially for the PhD students.”
Despite these challenges, the collaborative nature of the project stood out as a major strength. “It was really nice to have that collaboration. During exchanges, we had people who could support us with our data. That network was very valuable,” she explains, emphasizing how the consortium created opportunities for knowledge sharing and support.
Throughout the process, Antonia developed a range of skills that extend far beyond her specific research topic. “Statistics is one. But also, project management—planning what to do, setting deadlines, and coordinating with different people,” she says. “These are skills that are useful in almost every kind of job.” She also highlights improvements in communication and technical expertise, noting gains in presenting, writing, and laboratory work.
On a personal level, the journey has also been one of resilience and growth. “I’ve also learned to stand up for myself,” she reflects. “I’ve been through a lot of crises, and that really forced me to grow.”
Looking back, her PhD represents both a scientific contribution and a transformative personal experience. Her work adds to the understanding of how dietary strategies can support gut health in piglets, while her time in PIG-PARADIGM illustrates the realities—and rewards—of collaborative research.