Research

The translational and comparative nutrition group is focused on the digestive physiology and metabolism of different species.

Translational nutrition

Laboratory animals are used as model organisms to understand physiological and pathological processes in the human metabolism (translational research). We investigate the metabolic syndrome and dietary influence on glucose homeostasis in wild type and genetically tailored pigs. Digestibility trials and the analysis of endocrine and metabolomics parameters, among other aspects, can render insights into the pathomechanisms of the disease progression and identify potential novel biomarkers.
The important role of the gut microbiome for the whole organism has been recognized in the past years. In our research group, we investigate the influence of dietary factors on the gastrointestinal microbiome, linking the findings with nutrient digestibility.

Comparative nutrition

Each species has adapted to their natural diet in terms of gastrointestinal morphology and function. In pet and farm animal species, there is plenty of research on these aspects. However, there is less basic nutritional data available on laboratory animal species such as mice, rats and hamsters. Under animal welfare considerations (Refinement), research on nutrient digestibility and influencing factors (endogenous and diet-related) is important to generate reliable nutrient requirements and feeding recommendations for laboratory animals. Detailed knowledge of gastrointestinal physiology is also the basis for the study design of any animal experiment that may involve metabolic processes.
We conduct feeding trials in several laboratory animal species (e.g. mice, rats, hamsters, Xenopus, rabbits) and investigations on feed characteristics that impact the animals.