Systems biology - applications in intestinal health

D. Schokker, M.A. Smits

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Livestock production is changing worldwide. The ban on antibiotic growth promoters in Europe, the shift of animal production centres to Brazil or Eastern Europe, increase in demand for traceability and natural production, and the emergence of new diseases, are all forcing livestock producers to adapt to new husbandry, management, nutrition and healthcare techniques. Food safety is an explosive political issue - the expectations and demands of the informed consumer have altered perceptions of risk and brought food safety to the very front and centre of politics. The changes in legislation on the use of feed additives will impact livestock production, location of production and feed formulation. Veterinarians and producers look for alternatives to maintain intestinal health and maximise animal performance, whilst still complying with increasingly stringent (EU) legislation. 'Intestinal health' reviews the changes in livestock production and some of the clinical and sub-clinical disease challenges faced (mainly) in pig and poultry production. It discusses the current infectious and non-infectious challenges as well as the complex interaction between innate, cellular and humoral immunity and performance. The problems that this complexity poses concerning the identification of important factors for intestinal health are discussed, and new approaches such as the development of validated biomarkers, the application of omics techniques and systems biology are reviewed.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIntestinal health, Key to maximise growth performance in livestock
EditorsT. Niewold
Place of PublicationWageningen
PublisherWageningen Academic Publishers
Chapter11
Pages253-273
ISBN (Electronic)9789086867929
ISBN (Print)9789076998916
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

Keywords

  • Host
  • Interactions
  • Intestinal health
  • Mathematical models
  • Microbiota
  • Nutrition

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