The effect of macro nutrients and phytase on mineral digestibility and immunity in weaned pigs
Animal Science Research Centre
Pig, Poultry and Aquatic Animals Group
Why is pig, poultry and aquatic research important?
The Group is a team of researchers and technical staff, within the Animal Science Research Centre, focusing on ‘One Health’ relating to non-ruminant livestock. Our research has supported the development of strategies for using feed enzymes, plant extracts, sustainable proteins and functional fibres for a range of species including pigs, turkeys, laying hens, broiler chickens and rainbow trout.
We network with and support the global pig, poultry and aquatic animal production industries to develop solutions, products and systems for economic, environmental and ethical sustainability.
Examples of our recent research impact include portfolio contribution to the registration of phytase, other feed enzymes and various plant extract products as feed additives in the EU and other international markets through our contract research service. Additionally, we work with UK businesses through Innovate UK and other grant providers to develop solutions for industry. Recent examples include the development of a ‘360 farm’ for insect production as animal feed, prebiotic functional fibre feeding regimes and biotechnology to reverse antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic bacteria.
Contact us
Research contact 01952 81 5113
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Centre lead
Our expertise
The group has expertise and interest in understanding sustainable animal production systems, including all aspects of economic production, environmental considerations and the wider societal implications connected to farming pigs, poultry, invertebrates and aquatic animals. Our research is supported through the 海角社区 Adams pig unit, National Institute of Poultry Husbandry (NIPH) and our dedicated Recirculation Aquaculture System (RAS) for aquatic species. Operating at commercial scale (230 sows, 7500 finished pigs/year) and to Red Tractor Assurance standards, the HAU pig unit can accommodate small-scale studies up to full field trials. The NIPH includes modified laying hen cage facilities, large barn spaces for floor pens (ideal for broiler work) and eight versatile climate-controlled rooms that can be used for other species such as turkeys. The RAS unit usually operates 20 cold water tanks, each suitable for holding 120 rainbow trout from fingerling stage. Our academic and technical staff have a long track record of conducting scientific and contract research including nutrition trials and breed/genotype performance trials. The Princess Margaret laboratories located centrally on campus support the group with access to a range of commonly required resources such as PCR, ICP-MS, HPLC, GC-MS, nutrition suit, ProCyte Dx and histology suit.
Research highlights
The effect of macro nutrients and phytase on mineral digestibility and immunity in weaned pigs
Feeding quality of wheat distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) for laying hens
Development of galacto-oligosaccharide as a prebiotic for animal feeds
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