Projects
Anisakidae, fishborne zoonotic nematodes: hidden bacterial and allergic concerns Ghent University
Besides the known human health risks from Anisakid larvae in fish, there is proof-of-principle for hidden bacterial and allergic concerns. Therefore, the aim is to investigate the possible transmission of A. simplex allergens in fishmeal to chicken meat. A second aim is to characterize the microbiota of Anisakidae infected and non-infected fish and the impact of infestation on
bacterial spoilage.
Novel Sound Analysis Tools for Automated Welfare Monitoring of Livestock KU Leuven
The vocalizations of animals can serve as important indicators of health and emotional state. In livestock farming sound analysis is now emerging as a interesting component of automated ainimal welfare monitoring. In this project we will develop new sound analysis tools to monitor and enable timely management of the stress experienced by three farmed animals species: pigs, chickens and fish. For pigs we will work out new approaches to ...
Novel Sound Analysis Tools for Automated Welfare Monitoring of Livestock KU Leuven
Influence of mycotoxin binders on the oral bioavailability of antimicrobial veterinary drugs and coccidiostats Ghent University
Mycotoxin binders are readily mixed in the feed to prevent the oral absorption of mycotoxins by direct binding in the gastrointestinal tract of the animal. Concerns were raised for non-specific binding with orally administered veterinary drugs by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This project investigates the possible interactions between mycotoxin binders and orally administered antimicrobial drugs and coccidiostats in pigs and ...
Can sleep disturbances lead to functional connectivity changes in mice brain? University of Antwerp
Immunization of broiler breeders to protect progeny against Campylobacter infections Ghent University
This project investigates the role of maternal antibodies in protecting broiler chickens against
Campylobacter infections. It comprises three work packages: 1/ a cost-benefit analysis, 2/ a field study
on antibody levels in chicks and their relationship with onset of infection, and 3/ immunization of
breeders to look into the protective effect of maternal antibodies against campylobacter infection in
their progeny.
Salmonella and E. coli in poultry production systems in Kenya: Investigating antimicrobial use, resistome profiling and interventions for improvement of poultry production and human health. Ghent University
Kenya’s poultry industry is linked to transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes and resistant pathogens between animals and humans. Despite existing policies for food safety, sustainable interventions applicable to different poultry production systems are lacking. This study will evaluate prevalence of AMR in E. coli and Salmonella, antimicrobial use and risk factors, and model utility of potential interventions in different production ...
Understanding heat stress as mediator of reduced bone health in broilers through its actions on bone cell proliferation and the “gut-bone” axis Ghent University
Bone disorders such as tibial dyschondroplasia and lameness are highly prevalent in all poultry and broilers are no exception. Heat stress is well documented to have a negative influence on various livestock and its incidence is expected to increase. One of the noticeable developmental problems associated with heat stress is a pronounced induction in leg abnormalities in broilers and other poultry. Yet, the regulation of bone health by heat ...
Win-win protein: reconciling fish protein generation and water quality management. Ghent University
Garra and tambaqui are endemic fish to Ethiopia and the Amazon. We evaluated the performance, metabolic and functional effects of garra meal as feed on broiler chickens. We evaluated the effect of fish meat preservation methods on nutritive value of tambaqui fish and investigated the compatibility of beet pulp as nutrient on functional and metabolic effects of cultured tambaqui fish.