A new gut loop model developed at the University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) is revolutionizing how scientists study intestinal immunity in young calves. Spearheaded by Dr. Philip Griebel, the model allows researchers to isolate and study multiple intestinal immune responses within a single animal, significantly reducing the number of animals needed in research.
Currently used to investigate Johne’s disease — a chronic intestinal illness affecting cattle — the model enables early detection and understanding of how the disease progresses. It also has broader applications for studying pathogens like E. coli and rotavirus, and for testing vaccines and therapeutics that support gut health.
The gut loop method aligns with ethical research principles by minimizing animal use and enhancing welfare, and it supports veterinary training through collaboration with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.
Read more: USask gut model provides clearer view of cattle disease, reduces animal use in research
