How does the Microbiome make People and Animals Healthier?

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A healthy microbiome means more than just proper digestion: it supports nutrient absorption, stabilizes the intestinal barrier, and ensures an appropriate immune response. In humans, the gut is considered healthy when these processes are in balance.In Hohenheim, we are researching the interaction between the microbiome, gut function, the immune system, nutrition, and genetics to gain a complete understanding of health and develop sustainable food systems.

MICROBIOME AND HEALTH

A balanced microbiome supports digestion, strengthens the intestinal barrier, and protects against disease. We investigate how beneficial gut bacteria interact with the intestinal wall and what role microorganisms play that can be harmless or pathogenic depending on the environment. The goal is a stable balance that promotes health and reduces the use of medications.

MICROBIOME AND GENOME

In humans and animals, the genome influences how the microbiome develops and functions. We identify genetic control points that promote a stable gut ecosystem and thereby support health, feed efficiency, and performance.

MICROBIOME AND NUTRITION

Nutrition is one of the most important factors influencing gut health-in both humans and animals. It affects the microbiome, metabolism, and immune system simultaneously. We are researching how different feed rations in ruminants and Non-ruminants influence the microbiome, metabolism, and emissions such as methane. The goal is to improve health and reduce environmental impacts.

Essential for Health

1. The Microbiome in Farm Animals

2. The Human Microbiome

3. Gut Health in Humans and Animals

Research on gut health in humans and animals should be conducted jointly, as many of the underlying principles are the same: the microbiome, intestinal barrier, immune system, nutrition, and genetics function similarly in both.Animal studies help us better understand processes in humans-and conversely, human studies provide important insights for animal research. Since humans and animals also share the same environment and bacteria, this joint approach is particularly important. A One Health approach connects both fields and helps to improve health, animal welfare, nutrition, and environmental protection collectively.

1. - 4. Description

1. Soybean extraction meal

2. Poultry Feed

3. Corn

4. Horse Feed Made from Grass Protein

5. HoLMiR – Gut Research in Animals

The Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research (HoLMiR) at the University of Hohenheim is a research center that investigates how farm animals and their gut microbes interact and what effects this has on health, nutrition, and the environment. In high-tech laboratories and animal facilities, experts from various disciplines investigate how the microbiome influences animal health, how feed affects it, and how animal husbandry can be made more sustainable. HoLMiR's goal is to better understand diseases, reduce the use of antibiotics, and make animal husbandry more environmentally friendly-for healthy animals, high-quality food, and greater climate protection.

1. Subjective Well-Being

"Gut health" isn't just about having normal test results; it's also about feeling good: no persistent pain, no frequent heartburn, and no chronic constipation or diarrhea that disrupts our daily lives or our quality of life.

2. The Immune System in the Gut

A large part of our immune system is located in the intestinal wall. It must do two things at once: tolerate harmless substances (such as food and beneficial bacteria) and fight off actual pathogens. If this balance is disrupted, allergies, chronic inflammation, or autoimmune diseases can develop.

3. Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

The intestines break down our food, mix it with digestive juices, and absorb water and nutrients. When this process works properly, the body is well nourished, and we usually have regular bowel movements without pain or severe diarrhea.

4. Gut Hormones & Communication with the Brain

Special cells in the gut produce hormones that regulate hunger, satiety, blood sugar, and bowel movements. The gut is also in constant communication with the brain via nerves and neurotransmitters-stress can thus affect the gut, and conversely, an unhealthy gut can affect our mood.

5. Microbiome – Gut Bacteria

Billions of microorganisms live in the gut; they help with digestion, break down nutrients, and produce substances that can have a positive effect on gut cells and the immune system. This balance is said to be disrupted when "dysbiosis" occurs; this is associated with gastrointestinal disorders as well as other diseases.

6. Intestinal Barrier and Immunity

The intestinal wall acts like a finely tuned filter: it allows nutrients to pass through but blocks pathogens and toxins. This is achieved through a layer of mucus, tight junctions between cells, and defensive substances such as certain proteins and antibodies. If this barrier is disrupted, inflammation can occur, which is associated with various diseases.

7. The Intestine: What Happens Inside?

An international panel of experts, which includes Prof. Stephan C. Bischoff of the University of Hohenheim, has developed the first standardized definition of "gut health." This definition takes into account not only laboratory test results but also personal well-being.

Gut health encompasses six areas:

- Good digestion and nutrient absorption,

- an intact intestinal barrier and defense system,

- a balanced microbiome,

- a functioning immune system,

- stable hormone and signal transmission to the brain, and

- subjective well-being.