Research efforts in the field of gastrointestinal physiology are of primary importance, e.g., the interaction of various nutrients with the microflora of the intestines and how they affect the intestinal epithelium, also investigation of mycotoxological problems.

Ongoing research projects include studying the impact of diet on the gastrointestinal tract and intestinal mucosa of monogastric animals. In addition to ascertaining elements of the fundamental interaction between nutrition and intestinal microflora, including the immune functions associated with the GI tract, research efforts are also geared towards clinical questions, e.g., research projects about the mechanism of action of probiotic microorganisms, the investigation of the interaction between the intestinal mucosa and proteins from food sources, as well as the impact of fibre on disease progression in animals with chronic inflammatory intestinal disease.

Dysfermentation and the effects of nutrients on the intestinal epithelium of horses and pigs are further subjects of study that are useful not only for the elucidation of basic biological processes but also as a starting point to addressing questions of practical relevance.

Analytical questions posed in the context of research activities concerning the influence on food quality of the diet fed to stock animals include the detection of mycotoxins, the examination of pathophysiological factors for risk analysis of feed and food contaminants as well as the deactivation of mycotoxins to boost food and feed safety.