Key Indicators for Non-Invasive Monitoring of Health and Performance in Pigs

In pigs, variation in faecal composition over time or differences in faecal characteristics among and within group of pigs may signal changes in nutrient utilization or health status influenced by farm management practises or (individual) animal variation. Faeces of pigs comprise undigested feed continues, endogenously secreted compounds, and microbial biomass from the gut microbiome. They reflect the gut microbiome's composition and activity, as well as nutrient digestibility and nutrient excretion. So far, specific faecal characteristics are hardly used as a source of on-farm information, to monitor, assess and subsequently improve animal performance and (sub)clinical health status. Therefore, the aim of this PhD project, is to identify specific biomarkers of gastrointestinal functionality in the faeces of pigs, that can act as indicators of their intestinal health, nutrient efficiency and performance. In phase 1, data and faecal samples from previously conducted controlled studies together with data from relevant literature will be used to explore relationships between aspects of pig intestinal health, performance, and nutrient efficiency with specific faecal components. Following that, in vivo confirmation of the revealed relationships and identified biomarkers will be performed at farm level. It will be further explored how variations in the nutritional and health status of pigs impact the presence and concentration of the indicators in the faeces. To achieve these goals, animal experiments and controlled studies will be conducted in commercial and research farms, with variation in sanitary conditions and/or health status and welfare. Faeces sampling will be minimally-invasive, and the analyses in faecal samples will performed based on the results obtained in phase one. Ultimately, this research will establish proof of concept and offer recommendations for specific faecal biomarkers that can be applied on farms to enhance pig health and performance. These recommendations will support potential interventions and future advancements in the pig production industry and research.