Scientific multi-user equipment program: acquisition of equipments to update the Facility for studies of metabolism in animals of economical interest

• Grant number: 22/11412-7
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Scientific
• Start date: August 01, 2023
• End date: July 31, 2030
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry - Animal Production
• Principal Investigator: Nilva Kazue Sakomura
• Grantee: Nilva Kazue Sakomura
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Jaboticabal. Jaboticabal , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Kênia Cardoso Bícego ; Luciane Helena Gargaglioni Batalhão ; Luciano Hauschild

Abstract

In 2010, through the Multiuser Call (Process no. 2009/53996-0), FAPESP supported us in setting up the Respirometry Facility to study the metabolism of animals of economic interest. These laboratories were the first in the state of São Paulo to approach this topic, which enabled the generation of knowledge (production of several studies), training of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as partnerships with companies. This project was developed due to the need for a better understanding of metabolic aspects in animals of economic interest. Additionally, it stood out for the preference for less invasive methodologies, which allow longitudinal evaluations in individuals, before and after the experimental manipulation. This allows for greater statistical power, reduction of sample size and, mainly, to better explore the variability of the response between individuals when submitted to different conditions (diet, environment, management, etc). Studies evaluating the effects of nutrition, acclimatization and heat stress, physiological states at rest and in physical exercise, and social interactions on animal responses, mainly focusing on sustainability, reduction in production cost and injury mitigation, have been the subject of extensive research. As one of the great challenges for the maintenance of production animals is heat stress, especially in a scenario of rapid climate change with a high tendency for warming, studies of energy metabolism reveal the extent and cost of responding to such challenges. In this context, this approach is of high relevance to optimize performance, animal welfare and reduce the environmental impact in the production of domestic animals. With the technological advances of the last decade, many of the existing equipment in the FCAV-UNESP facility are outdated, since there are new versions available on the market. These new systems or sets of equipment have a higher sampling rate and better resolution of the metabolic data, allowing greater accuracy and refinement of the acquired data, being extremely important in the search for scientific advances. In addition, the implementation of state-of-the-art equipment, which does not exist in the state of São Paulo, to measure cellular metabolism in samples of different tissues, as well as analyzers of biochemical markers of metabolism and analyzers of movement, favor important advances in the understanding of animal metabolism in different breeding conditions, as well as the development of nutraceuticals and medicines. Thus, the present proposal aims to update and expand the laboratories for studying metabolism in animals of economic interest. The acquisition of the equipment listed in this proposal will benefit several UNESP departments in Jaboticabal, with the potential to serve other laboratories in the state of São Paulo and in other states, as well as having international participation. It is worth mentioning that all the equipment requested makes up an essential set, based on animal models, considering different stages of development and different body sizes, with a view to updating the facility in question. The present proposal is, therefore, in line with the current demands for methodological refinement to support increasingly robust data acquired in FCAV's multi-user laboratories, with a view to providing a broader service to the UNESP as well as other institutions. (AU)