Below are recent publications by IM students, faculty, and affiliates. Would you like your research showcased? Send your paper to duavang@iastate.edu in time for the next edition!

Bold Indicates ISU faculty and affiliates 

^Indicates publications by IM students

1.Kiefer, Z.E., ^Koester, L.R., Showman, L. et al. Vaginal microbiome and serum metabolite differences in late gestation commercial sows at risk for pelvic organ prolapse Front. Microbiol. 10:3064. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.03064e. Sci Rep11, 6189 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-85367-3

Summary: In a survey of the U.S. swine industry, pelvic organ prolapse (POP) was determined to contribute to approximately 21% of sow deaths annually. Pelvic organ prolapse is an anatomical disorder characterized by one or more pelvic organs (uterus, rectum and/or vagina) pressing up against or out of the vagina. This study established a phenotypic scoring system to identify sows with differential POP risk and describes potential biological contributors to POP risk.

2. Petry AL, Patience JF, ^Koester LR, Huntley NF, Bedford MR, Schmitz-Esser S. Xylanase Supplementation Modulates the Microbiota of the Large Intestine of Pigs Fed Corn-Based Fiber by Means of a Stimbiotic Mechanism of Action. Front Microbiol. 2021;10.3389. Published 2021 Mar 24. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.619970

Summary:  Xylanase is a logical carbohydrase to include in corn-based diets as it hydrolyzes the β-(1-4) glycosidic bonds of arabinoxylan, potentially increasing dietary fiber fermentation . Furthermore, supplementation of xylanase in swine diets is linked to improved gastrointestinal health, and commonly reduces finishing pig mortality in commercial production. These improvements in health are often suspected to result from modulation of microbial populations in the gut. This study demonstrates that xylanase increased the abundance of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium, among others, across the swine large intestine.