Prof. O’Dohertys’ research programme examines how the various types of non digestible oligosaccharides (NDOs) and lactose sources can influence the microbial population of the gastro-intestinal tract of monogastrics (incl humans), as well as piglet growth; nutrient digestibility, utilisation, and excretion; structure and function of the gut; and enteric diseases such as pathogenic E. coli and beneficial lactobacilli and the immune system. It also examines some the interactions between NDOs, enzymes and bacterial cultures on gastro-intestinal health on all of the above. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of prebiotics in the gut and the immune system are also being investigated. Other research interests focus on nutritional strategies to reduce odour, ammonia emissions and the excretion of nitrogen and phosphorus in manure.

REcent publications:

• P. Reilly, T. Sweeney, K.M. Pierce, J.J. Callan, J.T. O’ Sullivan , and J.V. O’Doherty (2008) The effects of seaweed extract inclusion on gut health and immune status of the weaned pig. Animal, 1465-1473
• D.A.Gahan, M.B.Lynch, J.J.Callan, J.T. O’ Sullivan  and J.V. O’Doherty (2009) Performance of weanling piglets offered low, medium or high lactose diets supplemented with a seaweed extract from Laminaria spp. Animal, Vol 3, 24-31
• M.B.Lynch, J. Kranz, J.J.Callan and J.V.O’Doherty (2009) The interaction between  dietary crude protein and fermentable carbohydrate source on post weaning performance, diet digestibility and selected faecal microbial populations and volatile fatty acid concentration Livestock Science 124, 93-100