This collection features four peer-reviewed literature reviews on developing immunity in pigs. The first chapter provides an overview of the latest research in gut function and immunity in pigs, as well as the role of the gut microbiota in shaping intestinal immune responses. The chapter also reviews recent advances in the development of novel tools to investigate the function of the pig gut. The second chapter describes the enteric and mucosal immune systems of pigs and presents evidence from experimental studies of the links between the immune system and microbiota. It examines the microbiome and metabolism of pigs and highlights its importance in the development of pig immune systems. The third chapter reviews advances in nutritional strategies to boost immune function in pigs, including the use of lipopolysaccharide to stimulate the immune system. The chapter considers the need to reduce the use of antimicrobials in swine diets and reviews the effect of dietary supplementation during key stages of a pig's life to enhance immunity. The final chapter assesses methods of improving gut function in pigs to optimise health, prevent pathogen colonization and optimise immunity. The chapter discusses research on genes associated with pathogen resistance and porcine immune response and reviews the role of dietary and nutritional strategies in preventing intestinal pathogen colonisation.

"As a nutritionist I liked this book a lot. I like the setup of the book and how it starts with the gut microbiome and works through to the different ways to manipulate the gut bacteria, including enzymes and different kinds of fibre. I think this is a great book with a lot of advanced information." Dr Darlene Bloxham, Adisseo, USA The pig production sector faces many challenges, including the need to improve feed efficiency to reduce emissions from manure, finding alternative methods to prevent the onset of diseases affecting swine, as well as ensuring that the welfare of pigs is consistent with consumer and regulatory agencies' expectations. Understanding gut microbiomes as targets for improving gut health offers a comprehensive coverage on the wealth of research on the porcine gastrointestinal tract, its key role in pig health and nutrition, as well as its implications for improving feed efficiency and growth. This collection details how optimising the gut microbiome can contribute to an overall improvement in pig health. Edited by Professor Mick Bailey and Emeritus Professor Chris Stokes, University of Bristol, UK, Understanding gut microbiomes as targets for improving gut health will be a standard reference text for pig/swine scientists in universities and research centres, pig feed manufacturers, and government and private sector agencies advising pig farmers on health and nutrition.

'...individual chapters provide very thorough, up-to-date reviews of health and welfare of pigs during different stages of production...The health section does a good job of summarizing the current major disease challenges facing pig production...If you want up-to-date reviews on some of the most pressing welfare issues in different stages of production, there are some good chapters included.' Animal Welfare Pig meat is the most widely-consumed meat in the world. Previous growth in production has relied, in part, on more intensive systems. In meeting rising demand, these systems face challenges such as the ongoing threat of zoonotic diseases, the need to improve feed efficiency in the face of rising costs, the need to reduce the environmental impact of pig production and increasing concerns about animal welfare. This volume looks at animal health and welfare. Part 1 reviews the main diseases affecting pigs as well as ways of managing diseases and boosting pig immune function. Part 2 reviews what we know about pig behaviour and appropriate welfare standards. It also assesses the welfare of different groups of pigs, from gilts and sows to weaned piglets and finishing pigs, as well as transport, lairage and slaughter. With its distinguished editor and international team of expert authors, this will be a standard reference for researchers in swine science, producers, government and other organisations involved in supporting pig production. It is accompanied by two companion volumes which focus on safety, quality and sustainability as well as animal breeding and nutrition.