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Pig Metabolic Disorder Model Development
Pigs have emerged as an invaluable animal model in a wide range of research fields including nutrition, metabolism, toxicology, neurobiology, and cardiovascular studies, among others. Their status as omnivores makes them particularly relevant for investigating gastrointestinal tract structure, nutritional metabolism, immune responses, and related human diseases. In this context, BioVenic offers tailored solutions for the development of pig metabolic disorder models, specifically designed for animal nutrition researchers. Our expertise is reflected in the selection of appropriate pig models for metabolic disorders, and our integrated platform provides a comprehensive array of methods to establish and validate the robustness of these models.
Background
The growth performance and health of pigs, a vital source of meat for human consumption, are of utmost importance to farmers and animal nutrition researchers alike. Metabolic disorders and diseases can significantly impact pig health and growth, thereby reducing profitability for pig farmers. Conversely, the selection of suitable animal models plays a vital role in the success of translational research. Given the striking similarities in (neuro)anatomy, gastrointestinal tract, body size, body composition, and omnivorous dietary preferences of pigs compared to humans, they are an ideal choice for (preclinical) studies pertaining to human nutrition and pharmacology. Pigs are valuable model animals in Metabolic Disorder Animal Model Development, especially Diabetes Animal Model Development.
Table. 1 Main causes of nutritional metabolic disorders/ dysfunctions in pigs.
Insufficient Attention to Anti-nutritional Factors in Diets The consideration of anti-nutritional factors (ANF) in diet formulation is inadequate. For instance, the presence of trypsin inhibitory factor in leguminous plants hinders the digestion, absorption, and utilization of dietary proteins in the intestines. |
Insufficient Consideration of Pigs' Nutritional Requirements at Different Stages The varying nutritional needs of pigs during different stages of performance are not given enough attention. Notably, the nutrient requirements significantly differ during the stages of sow gestation and lactation, piglet nursery, and boar breeding when compared to regular growth requirements. |
Compromised Digestion and Absorption in Pigs Digestion and absorption in pigs may be impaired due to various reasons, including the low digestibility of specific nutrients or genetic factors inherent to the pig itself. |
Inadequate or Excessive Nutrient Intake Inadequate dietary provision, limited feed options, poor feed quality, or excessive nutrient supply are common factors contributing to nutritional imbalances and overload. |
Pig Metabolic Disorder Model Development
- Genetic Solutions to Develop Pig Metabolic Disorder Models
Researchers have successfully constructed diabetic pig models by employing genetic techniques such as overexpressing multiple genes and utilizing multi-transgenic methods. Various methods, including pronuclear microinjection of DNA, cell-mediated genetic modification, and direct modification of embryos, have been employed to generate genetically modified pigs. Leveraging our expertise in animal genetic modification, we offer solutions for genetic methods to develop pig metabolic disorder models, catering to your specific requirements in animal nutrition research. For more detailed information, please visit our animal breeding and genetics section.
Fig. 1 Methods used to generate genetically modified pigs1,2
- Dietary Solutions for Developing Pig Metabolic Disorder Models
The nutrition and health of pigs are influenced by both genetic factors and their environment. Deficiencies or excesses of nutrients in feed, the presence of antinutritional factors, or external contaminants like mycotoxins can disrupt normal physiological processes and cause disturbances in nutritional metabolism. By altering feeding strategies, researchers can construct pig models exhibiting various nutrient-deficient or over-nutrient conditions. Our feed analysis service is available to assess whether the feed composition meets the pig's requirements and to determine the levels of antinutritional factors, mycotoxins, etc., facilitating the development of your pig metabolic disorder modeling. For further information, please refer to our section.
- Biomarker Analysis Solutions for Developing Pig Metabolic Disorder Models
Biomarker analysis plays a crucial role in the development of swine nutrition and metabolism disorder models. It enables researchers to assess the success of model development and the effectiveness of research utilizing the models, as well as aiding in the study of metabolic disease mechanisms. We offer Animal Nutrition and Metabolism Analysis services, providing a diverse range of analytical instrument platforms and service options, including single metabolite analysis, metabolomics, microbiome analysis, and more. These services assist you in establishing, optimizing, and validating your metabolic models.
Pig Metabolic Disorder Model Development Workflow
Why Choose Us?
Our team of professionals possesses extensive expertise in animal nutrition research, equipping us to offer you professional guidance and valuable assistance in the development of pig metabolic disorder models.
We have the capacity to seamlessly integrate and collaborate with both internal research teams and external resources, facilitating an accelerated development process for pig metabolic disorder models
With our services, we are capable of developing customized pig models specifically tailored to meet your unique research requirements in the field of nutritional metabolism disorders.
Our team upholds the principles of honesty, integrity, and thoroughness. We are committed to ensuring the utmost safety and authenticity in our model-building programs, meticulously attending to every detail.
BioVenic recognizes the significance and challenges associated with porcine nutritional and metabolic disease research. We are dedicated to supporting researchers in this field by offering diverse modeling approaches and assays specifically designed to expedite the construction of models while alleviating your concerns. If you have a requirement for modeling pig nutritional and metabolic disorders, we encourage you to reach out and contact us.
References
- Image retrieved from Figure 1 "Methods used to generate genetically modified pigs." Perleberg et al., 2024, used under [CC BY 3.0]. Without modification.
- Carolin Perleberg, Alexander Kind, Angelika Schnieke; Genetically engineered pigs as models for human disease. Dis Model Mech 1 January 2018; 11 (1): dmm030783. doi: https://doi.org/10.1242/dmm.030783