In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Sam Gerrard, postdoctoral fellow at Virginia Tech, explores how immune challenges affect swine physiology and nutrient utilization. He explains key differences in metabolic responses to bacterial and viral infections and how feeding strategies can improve outcomes. Learn how better nutrition during illness can reduce production losses and enhance welfare. Listen now on all major platforms!

"The immune system diverts nutrients from lean tissue accretion toward defense, significantly altering metabolic priorities during immune challenges."

Meet the guest: Dr. Sam Gerrard holds a DVM and PhD in Nutritional Physiology, and is currently a postdoctoral fellow at Virginia Tech’s Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise. His research focuses on how immune challenges affect nutrient partitioning in swine.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

What you will learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:11) Introduction
• (03:09) Swine immune response
• (04:52) Feed intake impact
• (06:00) Pair-feeding explained
• (07:07) Different responses
• (10:39) Nutritional interventions
• (12:41) Closing thoughts

The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Fortiva

* Kemin

- Essential Ag Solutions

- Keys Manufacturing

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

Instagram: The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast

LinkedIn: The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast