The hormone fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is produced in bone and influences its mineralization. During bone growth in childhood, the levels of FGF23 are significantly increased and fall until bone growth is completed in adulthood, although the function of FGF23 in bone growth has not been clarified. Alongside the hormones vitamin D and parathyroid hormone, FGF23 is a key regulator of the calcium and phosphorus balance. FGF23 thus represents the link between bone mineralization and the calcium and phosphorus balance.

The "Baby-Bone" project aims to establish the fundamental link between the bone development of FGF23 formation in bone and the hormone level of FGF23 in the blood of piglets during early growth.

Due to the similarity of bone development in humans and pigs, findings obtained from studies in pigs can be easily transferred to humans. A better understanding of this relationship will significantly expand our knowledge of the hormonal regulation of bone growth in early childhood and also expand the use of FGF23 in the diagnosis of juvenile bone development.