Love goes through the animal's stomach
Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut – Federal Research Institute for Animal Health
The Institute of Animal Nutrition at the Friedrich Loeffler Institute in Braunschweig conducts research in the fields of nutritional physiology, feed science, and animal feeding. The central focus lies on aspects of animal health as a prerequisite for the efficient conversion of feed components into high-quality food of animal origin or other animal products, while minimizing environmental impact.
A key research area is the influence of various essential and undesirable dietary components on the immune system. The institute investigates, for example, the role of specific vitamins and trace elements (essential nutrients) in the immune response of different animal species. Among the undesirable components, certain mycotoxins with immune-modulating effects are of particular interest, as they can occur in higher concentrations in feed. Studies on ruminants, pigs, and poultry aim to clarify the mechanisms of action, identify possible methods of decontaminating contaminated grain batches, and determine critical concentrations in feed. In addition, the institute develops methods for detecting toxins and their metabolites in food of animal origin (“carry-over”).
Research also focuses on metabolism and nutrient requirements, particularly the digestive processes in the forestomach system of ruminants. These processes are crucial because they influence environmentally relevant emissions such as methane and nitrogen.
Other topics include the regulation of feed and water intake, species-appropriate nutrition of farm animals, and calculations of energy and nutrient requirements across animal species. The institute also studies and evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of novel feed additives.
