A research centre focusing on nutrition in the pig and poultry sectors has been launched by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).
The Monogastric Science Centre, which will be headed by renowned SRUC senior animal scientist Dr Jos Houdijk, will link research between the pig and poultry sectors.
“We are already approached regularly by clients looking to do studies on both species, so launching this centre is timely, appropriate and logical,” said Dr Houdijk.
“The centre will allow us to expand the cross-species approach, giving us the opportunity to take forward the concept of comparative biology to more such projects.”
SRUC scientists are carrying out two projects looking at the nutritional value of animal feed ingredients for both pigs and poultry in a bid to reduce the sectors’ reliance on imported feed such as soya bean meal.
One is looking at the use of faba beans (broad beans) as an alternative feed source, while the other is looking at the nutritional value of different rapeseed varieties.
SRUC said the centre would assess whether concepts developed for either pigs or poultry could be used in the opposite sector, as well as exploring the possibility of working on other monogastric species such as fish.
According to Dr Houdijk a cross-species approach to animal research is essential in addressing future challenges, especially those related to gut health.
He said: “The gut is incredibly important, both when it comes to efficiently processing food and effectively resisting disease, and there are many questions still to be answered when it comes to balancing these two priorities under the overall objective to increase sustainability of animal production systems.
“Our new centre will help facilitate joint research in this area in the years ahead.”
Researchers at SRUC are also involved in a £450,000 project, in conjunction with the Texel Sheep Society, looking at using genome-screening technology to reduce mastitis in sheep.
The project is majority-funded £371,505 with funds from the UK Government’s £70 million Agri-Tech Catalyst fund, with the remainder submitted by industry.
It will explore genomic selection for disease resistance by using genome-screening technology to identify sheep that are more resistant to mastitis.
Cheaper alternatives to the genomic technology will also be assessed to see whether they are as accurate.
It is hoped the study will establish a measure of disease resistance to go alongside other breeding values in the future.