Background and purpose of the project:
SAFE-GUT aims to evaluate two sustainable feed ingredients—Green protein (biorefined from grassland crops) and dried potato pulp—a sidestream from potato starch industry, for their potential to improve gastrointestinal health in pigs, reduce antibiotic use, and lower the climate footprint of pig production.
Feeding approaches that support a beneficial gut environment and microbiota can enhance piglets’ resilience to post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) and reduce reliance on antibiotics.
SAFE-GUT investigates how these ingredients affect health, with a particular focus on their carbohydrate composition and functional properties.
- Ingredient Characterization Green protein batches from experimental and commercial sources will be analyzed for carbohydrate and protein composition, structure, and physicochemical traits relevant to gut health. A similar analysis will be performed on dried potato pulp.
- In Vitro Fermentation Screening Simulated digestion and microbial fermentation will assess microbiota composition, metabolite production, and fibre degradation. Based on these results, one Green protein batch will be selected for in vivo testing alongside potato pulp.
- In Vivo E. coli Challenge Study A controlled trial with 80 piglets will evaluate the efficacy of the selected ingredients in reducing PWD and improving gut health. Parameters include microbiota composition and function, digesta traits, immune responses, and ulcer scoring.
- On-Farm Study A commercial farm trial will assess growth, antibiotic use, faeces consistency (via AI-based scoring), and behaviour. Gastric ulcer scoring will be performed at slaughter to evaluate long-term effects of Green protein.
Industrial partners:
- Ausumgaard I/S
- KMC, KARTOFFELMELCENTRALEN, AMBA
- SAGRO I/S
- Vestjyllands Andel A.M.B.A.
Project starts: 01-04-2026
Project ends: 31-03-2030
