Adequacy of feeding at the genetic level of animals
Animal nutrition
Commercial selection programs include selection for production criteria such as prolificacy, growth or robustness in almost all livestock species, which can modify the proportion of nutrients and resources addressed to the different physiological functions of the animals. In this line, it is studied how these selection criteria affect the distribution of resources in breeding animals, what consequences it has on their production, welfare and health, and recommendations are proposed for the selection and management of feeding and reproduction of animals for more sustainable production.
Manager: Juan José Pascual
Nutrition and intestinal health of growing rabbits
In this line, the relationships between different aspects of the nutrition of young rabbits (before and after weaning), intestinal health, the caecal environment and mortality and morbidity during the growth period are studied. The main objective of these studies is a better understanding of how the transition from liquid feeding (milk) to solid feeding (feed) occurs and to determine which should be the most favourable characteristics of the diet for the development and viability of the animals. Another aspect of some of these studies is knowing the behaviour of the animals and the repercussion that modifications of this behaviour and feeding management can have on animal welfare.
Manager: Enrique Blas
Nutrient resources in the conservation of the wild rabbit in the Mediterranean ecosystem
The conservation of the wild rabbit is key to the structure and functioning of the Mediterranean ecosystem, as well as to the ecological restoration of degraded ecosystems. The ICTA Animal Feeding group develops, in collaboration with the CEU Cardenal Herrera University, a line of research whose objective is to contribute to conserving the wild rabbit in its natural habitat. This line aims to identify the key resources for the adaptive success of this species and manage its abundance in the Mediterranean ecosystem. The challenge is approached from a nutritional point of view and initially is focussed in obtaining information that allows us to know what nutritional factor may be limiting wild rabbit populations.
Manager: María Cambra López
(in collaboration with Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera, Pablo Marín)
Nutritional assessment of raw materials and by-products
It is a broad line of research that ranges from methodology, models, techniques and recommendations to assess feedstuffs in different livestock species (in international cooperation with the European group EGRAN and the Ibero-American Network CYTED-RESALAN), to the specific assessment of various raw materials and by-products used for feeding rabbits, ruminants and insects. Studies that relate the dietary inclusion of raw materials with the characteristics and quality of the final product are also included.
Manager: Enrique Blas
Bioenergetics, environment and dynamic models in small ruminant nutrition
This line includes the determination of nutrient and energy requirements in small ruminants (sheep and goats), based on calorimetric balances, which allows us to know the animal response to the intake of nutrients (according to its physiological state, health and thermal stress). The energy balance is determined by gas exchange using open system indirect calorimetry equipment. When determined by gas exchange, it is possible to quantify the oxygen consumption, emissions of methane and production of carbon dioxide by the animal. In order to evaluate the response of the animal to dietary and environmental changes, empirical mathematical models, non-linear dynamics and based on artificial neuronal networks are developed with the aim of simulating and predicting the performance of the animals under various nutritional and environmental scenarios.
Manager: Carlos Fernández
Precision nutrition
Precision nutrition is a key tool to improve the sustainability and efficiency of livestock systems. This line aims to feed animals as close to their requirements as possible to obtain efficiently safe and quality products, by improving the use of nutrients and reducing their excretion into the environment. It is developed mainly with monogastric animals (birds, pigs and rabbits), through research projects whose objective is, first of all, to accurately assess the nutrient requirements, depending on the type of animal and the moment; second, to develop precise matrixes of ingredients and/or additives and to formulate ad hoc feeds that reduce safety margins; and finally provide nutrients at the individual or group level, monitoring eating behaviour and intake.
Manager: María Cambra López
Animal Nutrition and Technology Service
The Animal Nutrition and Technology Service (ANTS) aims to meet the research, development and innovation needs and demands of companies, institutions and society in the field of animal nutrition and technology. This is a joint transfer service between the ICTA of the UPV and the Center for Animal Research and Technology (CITA-IVIA). ANTS develop both public and private projects with the industry, on the safety and efficacy of additives in animal feeding, the nutritional assessment of raw materials and by-products, including the formulation and manufacture of experimental feeds for digestibility and performance trials.
Managers: Juan José Pascual y María Cambra López