Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) is a debilitating disease that poses both physiological and financial concerns. Low efficacy of current vaccines has shifted the focus from traditional medicine to alternative strategies, such as nutrition, to lessen the impacts of this disease. Traditionally, it was understood that the adverse effects of the illness stemmed from reduced feed intake among affected animals. However, when healthy pigs are fed the same amount of feed as their PRRS-infected counterparts, they exhibit superior growth rates. This suggests that the immune response is consuming vital nutrients present in the diet.To address this issue, intravenous catheters will be placed, and pigs will be given the PRRSV virus. During the challenge, pigs will be given amino acids that are potentially very important for an immune response and growth of the animal. The ability to draw blood easily with little to no stress on the animal allows samples to be collected frequently at different stages of the disease; allowing us to characterize the impact of the disease on different components of the plasma. In addition, we can identify factors that vary based on dietary treatments which will help us identify pathways we can exploit to help mitigate the effects of disease. Our ultimate goal is to modulate the immune response by characterizing metabolic flux and macronutrient consumption of the challenge.
Animal Health Component
80%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
70%
Applied
20%
Developmental
10%
Goals / Objectives
Given the widespread effects of PRRSV throughout the body and its affect on pigs across various age groups, this presents a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of the immune system and its intricate interplay with intermediary metabolism. The overarching objective is to delineate between nutrients utilized by the immune system and those directed towards other metabolic pathways. We will achieve the goal through several objectives:1.) identify a feeding strategy to help mitigate weight loss during an immune challenge.2.)determine which amino acids are used by the immune systemandwhich are used for lean tissue accretion during a disease challenge.3.) understand the proliferation and growth of immune system during a challenge.Accomplishing these objectives will not only enhance our ability to classify immune responses but also pave the way for potential modifications to these responses during disease challenges. This knowledge holds promise in identifying pathways that could be harnessed for immune system modulation, potentially expediting the recovery process or reducing the overall morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. The anticipated outcome of this project includes the development of amino acid requirements tailored to different stages of disease challenges. This will shed light on the specific amino acids utilized at various points during the challenge. Ultimately, this endeavor aims to deliver tangible benefits to the swine industry while deepening our comprehension of the immune system and its reliance on macronutrients for optimal function.
Project Methods
Efforts: Scientific studies related to this project will be completed in a BSLII facility to ensure containment of the pathogen. Animals will be housed individually to account for feed intake and to ensure longevity ofsurgically placed catheters. Samples will be collected throughout a PRRSV challenge to evaluate metabolism and circulating amino acids. Efforts will be focused on making presentations and peer-reviewed journal articles that will help explain and disseminate information in a coordinated manner. Results will also be arranged so they can be worked into an undergraduate nutrition class.Evaluation: Rigor and reproducibility will be a focus of this project. To ensure both, weekly meetings with mentors will be held to discuss ideas and progression of results. This will not only ensure that questions are answered appropriately and thoroughly but that the correct questions are being asked. Discussed in these meetings will be topics for future studies, mechanisms that need further delineation,and application of all work to the swine industry. Data collected will be analyzed via statistical software SAS. Analyzed data will be discussed with project personnel, collaborating scientists, and industry professionals to best interpret results from our studies.