User: Centre de développement du porc du Québec
Post-weaning diarrhea is a persistent problem in pig production, an issue that may be exacerbated by restrictions on the use of antibiotics and the high doses of zinc and copper given to piglets. Post-weaning feeding strategies used to prevent intestinal disorders provide mitigated results, suggesting that piglets need to be better prepared for weaning during the lactation and gestation periods. Maternal selenium supplementation is a particularly interesting option due to its significant transfer via the placenta and milk. Selenium is known to have beneficial effects on the immune system, with recent studies also demonstrating possible effects on the development of the microbiota. Additionally, higher levels of selenium could maximize its beneficial impact.
Given these benefits, we will study the effects of selenium (intake and type) on piglet health during gestation and lactation. To do so, we will be analyzing the transcriptome of intestinal tissues in relation to the immune response, as well as studying the metagenome and the “resistome” of gut microbiota. We expect the project to reduce economic losses caused by intestinal diseases and lower treatment costs. Lastly, resulting health benefits in piglets could help diminish the use of antibiotics and improve animal welfare, thereby meeting a growing societal demand.