There is increasing pressure to improve the sustainability of pig production whilst producing enough food to feed the growing human population towards 2050 and beyond. Piglets are susceptible to disease around weaning, and with the upcoming EU ban on zinc oxide and pressure to reduce antibiotic usage in livestock production, there is increased interest in maximising pre-weaning performance and health to produce robust piglets that can withstand the challenges of weaning.
It is important to understand how early life experiences can imprint upon the gut microbiome, which in turn, programmes the immune system of the young animal. Colostrum is the first secretion from the mammary gland; rich in fat, lactose and protein including immunoglobulins which provide piglets with immunity at time of birth. Colostrum (and milk) also have both a pro and prebiotic effect on the development of the piglet gut microbiome. Colostrum has been shown to contain its own microbiome in pigs (Chen et al., 2018) and is rich in prebiotic oligosaccharides (Trevisi et al., 2020) which act as fuel for the microbes in the gut. The probiotic effect of colostrum on the piglet gut microbiome has received little interest to date, yet, this is an essential source of microbes which seed the gastrointestinal tract with potential life-long influence on animal performance and health.
The aim of this project is to explore variation in pre-weaning piglet performance and determine the link between colostrum composition (including both the colostrum microbiome and the oligosaccharide profile), colostrum intake and the development of the gut microbiome of the piglet. This project will provide the candidate with training in molecular biology including bioinformatics, animal trial and experimental design, as well as provide hands on experience working with pigs at the University of Leeds National Pig Centre.
Objectives:
1) Determine the within and between litter variation in pre-weaning performance of piglets from current commercial sow lines
2) Explore how early life exposure to microbes (e.g. colostrum, sow faeces) develops the piglet gut microbiome over the pre-wean period and relate this to the performance of the piglet.
3) Examine the variability in colostrum composition between sows and relate this to the piglet gut microbiome and pre-weaning performance
4) Use an in vitro model of the piglet gut to determine viable methods to manipulate the gut microbial community
By determining the level of variation in pre-weaning performance in modern sow lines, understanding how colostrum composition impacts health and performance in the pre-weaned stage and by exploring methods to manipulate the gut microbiome in this adaptable period of the pig’s life, we will be closer to understanding how we can produce robust and healthy piglets, which will ultimately use feed more efficiently and require less antibiotic treatment in their lifetime, towards sustainable pig production and net zero goals.
Eligibility
Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. A Masters degree is desirable but not essential.
The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.
How to apply
To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application.
- a full academic CV
- degree certificate and transcripts of marks
- Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable)
To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;
- Select PhD in Biological Sciences as your programme of study
- Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert
- For source of funding please state you are applying for a School of Biology/University of Leeds Scholarship
As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Within the Faculty of Biological Sciences we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+; and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.
For further information please contact the Faculty Graduate School - [Email Address Removed]
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