At the intersection of animal agriculture and biomedical science.
What we work on
The Nutrition, Health and Neuroscience Laboratory studies how diet shapes metabolism, immunity and brain development. We work at the interface of production animal nutrition and biomedical science, with a particular emphasis on the domestic pig as a translational model. Our projects span feed ingredient evaluation, immune function and disease resilience in pigs and other non-ruminant species, as well as brain development and cognitive outcomes in the young pig.
Across this work we combine controlled nutrition studies with advanced imaging, behavioral testing and analytical chemistry.
The goal is straightforward: generate data that improves animal health and performance while also informing nutrition strategies for human infants and children.
Research areas
Our research program is organized around two core areas that link diet, health, and brain function, with primary emphasis on the role early-life diet plays in helping to shape the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
Nutrition and Health
We evaluate feed ingredients, bioactive compounds and dietary strategies that influence growth, gut function and immune responses in pigs and other non-ruminant species. Studies emphasize practical feeding programs, disease challenge models and measures of resilience that matter to producers and the feed industry.
Nutrition and Neuroscience
We use the young pig as a model to study how early-life nutrition alters brain structure, myelination and cognition. Using MRI, histology and behavioral paradigms such as novel object recognition, we examine how specific nutrients and dietary patterns influence neurodevelopmental trajectories.
The team
The lab brings together faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars and students from animal sciences, nutritional sciences, neuroscience and related fields. Trainees gain experience in study design, animal handling, sample collection, imaging, data analysis and scientific communication.
Alumni from the group move into academic positions, industry research and development, and professional programs in nutrition, veterinary medicine, and other related fields.
Recent highlights
Below are a few recent examples of work from the lab. A more complete list is available on our Publications page and via Google Scholar.
- Peer-reviewed publications on interactions between early-life nutrition, gut health and immune function in pig models.
- Neuroimaging and behavioral studies mapping brain myelination and cognition in piglets under different dietary conditions.
- Collaborative projects with academic and industry partners evaluating novel feed ingredients and bioactive compounds.
- Trainee achievements, including graduate degrees completed and students moving into academia, industry R&D and professional programs.
Contact and location
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Department of Animal Sciences
Primary contact: Ryan N. Dilger, Professor
Email: rdilger2@illinois.edu
Faculty profile:
View official Illinois faculty page