BIOACTIVE AND NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES OF SWINE COLOSTRUM ON NEONATE LIVER FLUXOME AND TRANSCRIPTOME

The overall goal of this project is to determine the effect of high versus low colostrum intake on the activation of metabolic pathways and the flow of carbons from fatty acids and other energy substrates in the liver of neonatal pigs. The following objectives will be accomplished to meet this goal:1. Quantify metabolic flux of long chain fatty acids, glucose, and lactate in the liver of neonatal gilts fed different levels of colostrum or nutrient matched formula.2. Analyze the effect of different levels of colostrum or nutrient matched formula on hepatic transcriptome to determine metabolic pathways activated by colostrum feeding.3. Correlate changes in metabolic flux measures with gene expression counts to identify molecular targets of colostrum and the impact of nutrient matched formula.In addition to the research objectives of this proposal, a menotring plan has been put in place to help Dr. Beckett advance. The mentoring plan is below:1. Grant Identification and Preparation Counseling2.Prepare and Develop Manuscripts for Publication3.Develop Teaching and Instruction Skills4.Participate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives5.Mentor Undergraduate Students