Erysipelas is a severe infectious disease caused by the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. The disease is well-known, but basic knowledge particularly on the infection in chickens, is lacking. A new project (EryPoP) will provide novel information that will enable scientifically based guidelines to prevent future erysipelas outbreaks.

A recently finished research project investigated the farmer’s possibilities to identify gastric ulcers in pig herds and examined whether adding hemp to the feed might solve the problem. The results show that meal feed seems to be the best strategy if you want to prevent gastric ulcers in pigs.

A large and ambitious EU project will be looking on ways to increase the efficiency and sustainability of pig and poultry production. This is to be achieved by developing new feeds, feeding technologies and management systems and by the selection of more robust and adaptable animals.

The diet in the western world is characterised as being low in fibre and high in fat and refined carbohydrates. This unhealthy lifestyle increases the risks for a number of lifestyle diseases. This is why scientists have to think of alternative ways for obtaining all the benefits of fibre without having to consume large quantities of carrots and rye bread.