The Research Unit "P-Fowl" investigates the role of lower inositol phosphates and myo-inositol in the fowl. The overall objective is to explore and understand the genetic and non-genetic variations in the formation of inositol phosphate derivatives and myo-inositol by endogenous phytases (from epithelium and microbiota), as well as their relevance for phosphorus utilization, microbiome, and animal physiology.
Three overarching hypotheses are tested:
- Phosphorus (P) utilization is driven by the bird’s genetic background and the active fraction of the intestinal microbiome, enabling targeted breeding for improved P utilization.
- Changes in microbiome, depending on age and feeding, contribute to formation of inositol phosphates and myo-inositol and subsequent physiological and immunological functions.
- Key physiological features can be identified to scale up the phenotyping of inositol phosphate and myo-inositol metabolism in larger populations.
To reach our overall objective of understanding the genetic and non-genetic variation in the metabolism of InsPx and myo-inositol in domesticated fowl, we will integrate the data from all projects. Therewith, we will be able to better predict the biological pathways and impacts of observed mechanisms, such as phytase activity or InsP6 degradation, on networks in hens.
The resulting set of condition- and trait-specific metabolic models provides novel insights to and discoveries of genetic and non-genetic variations that alter the metabolic network of fowls, in particular with respect to physiological traits, diet, and variations in the microbiota.
Start of first funding period: January 2018
Start of second funding period: 2022
