The Department of Feed Science at Zhejiang University was established in 1989 and includes 23 staff members. It operates as the Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition under the Ministry of Education and the Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed under the Ministry of Agriculture. The department focuses on several research areas, including mesoscopic animal nutrition, nutrition and gene expression, genetic engineering, feed additives, and embryo engineering in animal nutrition.
Mesoscopic animal nutrition, a new area within nanobiotechnology, has led to the development of nano-feed additives designed to replace antibiotics and absorb toxic substances such as heavy metals, mycotoxins, and pesticides. Gene engineering and feed additive research cover three key areas: (1) selecting and utilizing target genes from suitable microorganisms, (2) improving and constructing expression systems such as E. coli and yeast, and (3) optimizing microbial fermentation technology.
Research on the relationship between nutrition and gene expression aims to enhance livestock quality, immunity, and growth performance. This includes studying developmental gene expression in relation to meat quality, growth, and immunity in livestock and poultry. The department also investigates how nutrients and bioactive factors influence gene expression related to protein deposition, meat quality, and immune response, including the production of antibacterial peptides and proteins.
Additionally, the department explores methods to improve reproductive efficiency in livestock, such as promoting ovulation rates, enhancing embryo implantation rates, and reducing early embryo mortality.
More information: http://www.cas.zju.edu.cn/casenglish/main.psp.
