Uptake of immune factors from the first milk (colostrum) is crucial for survival of (farm) animals. The uptake capacity by the small intestine is affected by maturation at birth, the birth process, the diet and stressful conditions. It is important to know about these factors when trying to rescue weak and compromized newborn animals.  

10-20% of all farm animals do not survive birth or the first days after birth. Maturation of the fetus is important for survival but it remains relatively unknown which factors affect maturation and how this is coordinated with the time of birth. Genetics, maternal condition, fetal conditions, nutrition and environment just after birth all play a role, but only some of these factors can be manipulated.  

It remains a challenge for many young animals (and humans) to change the diet from maternal milk to solid food after weaning. Diet, microbiology and immunology are important components, together with the stress of weaning. We may choose either to protect the newly weaned animal, or to stimulate its maturation. Which strategy should we choose?

Mortality and morbidity of animals and humans increase sharply if birth weight is small, or if birth occurs too early. Some newborn animals born at normal term also show signs of immaturity. To improve survival of preterm and underweight newborn animals and infants, it is important to know about the special body characteristics of these compromized newborns. Studies in piglets give some good ideas.  

The fetus has an extra ordinary capacity to adapt to the conditions of life before birth. The fetus makes sure to receive adequate nutrients although some problems may occur if maternal nutrition is very poor. This may lead to underweight or preterm newborns and these newborns develop a greater sensitivity towards disease as adults

The intestine contains more hormones, immune cells and bacteria than any other site in the body. Nutrition is crucial, not only for body functions, but also for the health of the intestine itself. What is a healthy intestinal diet?

We have more bacteria in the intestine than we have cells in our entire body. These bacteria influence health and disease, and they are affected by our diet. What can be done to push the bacteria in the right direction?

Many work places do a lot to provide their employees with good nutrition. Are they doing the right thing and does the food at work give more work energy - or less? We need to understand the body reactions to different diets to be able to serve the best food at work. Food is more than fuel for the body machine.

We suffer more from life style diseases than ever before: Obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, cancer. What is caused by poor diets, and what is caused by poor life style? How can we reach the optimal diet from observing normal body functions? Does diet, exercise or food culture have anything to do with body physiology?