Diseases of the musculoskeletal system is an increasing problem in modern pig farms and negatively affects the health and welfare of pigs. The base of a healthy musculoskeletal system is an optimal bone growth and stable bone mineralization which implies a functioning homeostasis especially of calcium and phosphorus.

The aim of this project is to investigate the correlation between biomarkers in serum, e.g. fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), and the phosphorus homeostasis in order to establish reliable biomarker profiles to predict the current mineral status in fattening pigs. A reliable biomarker could be used for diagnostic and prophylaxis purposes in assessing leg problems in pig herds on farms in order to prevent bone health related issues before symptoms occur. This will help to formulate diets that are adequate in regard of their mineral supply to enable strong bones in fast-growing pigs.

Additionally, this project aimed to examine whether lactic acid treatment of cereals can enhance the available phosphorus in the grains and whether the lactic acid treatment of the cereals causes a similar beneficial effect on the mineral homeostasis as the common supplementation of dietary phytase. Therefore, tools to guarantee an optimal bone growth and stable bone mineralization in pigs should be improved and extended.

Detailed information about conducted trials, their results and interpretation can be followed up in current publications.

"Short-, medium-, and long-chain fatty acid profiles and signaling is responsive to dietary phytase and lactic acid treatment of cereals along the gastrointestinal tract of growing pigs" by Prof.Dr. Barbara Metzler-Zebeli > Link to the publication in the Jounral of Animal Science

"Evaluation of serum parameters to predict the dietary intake of calcium and available phosphorus in growing pigs" by Julia Vötterl, PhD > Link to the publication in the Journal Tranlational Animal Science 

"Dietary phytase and lactic acid treated cereals caused greater taxonomic than functional adaptations in the cecal metagenome of growing pigs" by Jutamat Klinsoda, PhD > Link to the publication in the Journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology

"Maturational Changes Alter Effects of Dietary Phytase Supplementation on the Fecal Microbiome in Fattening Pigs" by Prof. Dr. Barbara U. Metzler-Zebeli > Link to the publication in the Journal Microorganisms

"Dietary Phytase and Lactic Acid-Treated Cereal Grains Differently Affected Calcium and Phosphorus Homeostasis from Intestinal Uptake to Systemic Metabolism in a Pig Model" by Julia C. Vötterl, PhD > Link to the publication in the Journal Nutrients

"Alterations of the Viable Ileal Microbiota of the Gut Mucosa-Lymph Node Axis in Pigs Fed Phytase and Lactic Acid-Treated Cereals" by Jutamat Klinsoda, PhD > Link to the publication in the Journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology

"Lactic Acid Treatment of Cereals and Dietary Phytase Modified Fecal Microbiome Composition Without Affecting Expression of Virulence Factor Genes in Growing Pigs" by Jutamat Klinsoda, PhD > Link to the publication in the Journal Frontiers in Microbiology

"Soaking in lactic acid lowers the phytate-phosphorus content and increases the resistant starch in wheat and corn grains" by Julia C. Vötterl, PhD > Link to the publication in the Journal Animal Feed Science and Technology