Comparative Aspects of Physiology and Nutrition of Growing Animals

In newborn mammals and birds many relevant physiological functions are not fully developped at birth and have thus to mature during the first weeks of life. The gastrointestinal system and its associated organs are predominantly concerned by these ontogenetic processes and this involves both, cellular functions and the microbial colonization. Studies from recent years have provided evidence that beside metabolic programming these processes are significantly affected by dietary factors, i.e., not only the genetic background of the animal but also the type of diet are relevant factors for early postnatal development.
functions develop in young animals. This includes both, cellular functions of gastrointestinal and other transporting organs as well as the process of microbial colonization and potential interactions with gastrointestinal cells. The characterization of these processes will also help to identify potential physiological indicators for animal welfare.
The aim of the current Research Topic is to describe functional development of the gastrointestinal system in early life. The main areas to be included in this Research Topic, but not exclusively limited to, are:
- Postnatal development of absorptive and secretory functions
- Regulation of cellular processes
- Comparative aspects of other transporting cells
- Microbial colonization, development of the intestinal microbiome