New Gut Technology Targets Pig and Piglet Health

Renaissance BioScience (RBSC) has strategically partnered with the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), a world leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development. Through a $600,000 award by the Saskatchewan Agricultural Development Fund, the collaboration will target two diseases, as well as immune system function, in pigs and piglets using Renaissance’s cutting-edge yeast-based technology, the company announced in a release.

Heather Wilson, a prominent scientist and program leader in vaccine formulation and delivery, will coordinate the two distinct projects at VIDO. Both projects aim to develop cost-effective, safe, non-invasive health solutions that can be conveniently included in the pig’s feed.

“We are enthusiastic about working with Renaissance and its highly experienced yeast experts and technologies to address these vital livestock health concerns. This yeast platform technology holds significant promise in improving animal health, and we look forward to getting started on these projects," she said. 

RBSC and VIDO will pioneer orally delivered yeast-based vaccines for porcine epidemic diarrheal virus (PEDV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in the first project, the release explained. 

The second project will study gut health, immunity and overall growth in piglets.

"Striving to alleviate the overuse of traditional antibiotics, RBSC and VIDO will work on an orally delivered yeast that secretes peptides, zinc and essential amino acids into the pig’s digestive system. This innovative approach aims to mitigate stress, protect against infections, preserve gut health, and promote lean muscle growth," the company said.

RBSC said the yeast-based approach aims to enhance the health and productivity of agricultural animals, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient food solution for our growing global population.  

"Yeast has the benefit of cost-effective production and delivery of biological molecules, acting as a 'suitcase' to carry the bioactive molecules through the harsh intestinal environment. Yeast can also protect bioactive molecules in the harsh environment of the animal feed production process and has the advantage of being a common component of livestock feed, making this technology easy to adopt in real-life applications," the company explained.