Use of encapsulated tryptophan to improve outcomes in health-challenged piglets

Previous research has demonstrated that provision of key functional amino acids (methionine, threonine, and tryptophan) have positive benefits on health and performance of pigs. Additional benefits may be achieved by targeted delivery of some amino acids, namely tryptophan, to specific sections of the gut. For example, encapsulation of amino acids prevents their absorption in the small intestine, allowing for delivery to the large intestine in order to have a direct effect on colonic health. Metabolites of microbial metabolism of tryptophan (i.e., indoles) have been shown to have beneficial effects on gut function. A study will be performed to determine the effect of supplementation of encapsulation of tryptophan to newly-weaned pigs under disease challenge with Salmonella. The results of this study will have implications for the formulation of diets to improve the health of newly-weaned pigs.

Faculty Supervisor:

Daniel Columbus

Student:

Partner:

Universidade Federal de Lavras

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture and Food

University:

University of Saskatchewan

Program: