| Mission |
The adaptation physiology group studies effects of housing and management on physiological reactions of animals in terms of immune responsiveness, energy metabolism, thermogenesis and reproduction. It is studied how adverse environmental factors translate to physiological adaptations of animals in terms of health, reproduction and growth and development. Three disciplinary fields are present. | For the energy metabolism research (dr. Johan Schrama), 4 pair of climate respiration chambers, which differ in size, are available. | The two main functions of these chambers are: | To control environmental conditions. Animals can be exposed to different climate (temperature, relative humidity, draught, floor temperature), housing (floor type, lighting scheme, group vs individual housing) and air quality conditions (gas concentrations ([O2, CO2, NH3], dust, germs [SPF vs conventional]); | To measure energy metabolism (heat production) of animals.The chambers are used to assess adaptive responses of animals to various environmental factors. | The reproduction research (dr. Nicoline Soede en dr. W. Hazeleger) is focused on follicle growth and development, oestrus and ovulation, fertilisation and early embryonic development. Tools like ultrasound, non-surgical embryo transfer, reproductive endocrinology and non-surgical uterine contraction measurements are used. Their main expertise is on the pig. Effects of housing, nutrition and management are subjects of study. | The immunology research (dr Henk Parmentier) is focused on determination of humoral and cellular immune responses, NK and macrophage activity and various underlying mechanisms, such as cytokine regulation in selected poultry lines and pig strains, that are being exposed to different diets, pathogens, and environmental (climatic) stressors. In addition the effect of immunity on production and welfare is studied. |
