IRTA (Institute for Food and Agricultural Research and Technology) in cooperation with UAB (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) and CSIC (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas) are organising the XI International Symposium on Digestive Physiology of Pigs on 20-22 May 2009 in Montbrió del Camp (Tarragona, Spain), close to Reus agroindustrial cluster, an area with strong links to the Spanish breeding sector.

This symposium aims to bring an update on the latest advances on pig digestive physiology, providing the basis for future research in the field.

In 1979, thirty years ago, the first symposium on digestive physiology was held in the United Kingdom. Since then, it has been successively held, up to this occasion, at the Hotel Termes in Montbrió del Camp, which IRTA was commissioned to organize.

The symposia, while initially having a European focus, now attract scientists and technicians from all over the world. They are interested in the gastrointestinal tract function on the pig – physiology, immunology and microbiology – particularly those directly affecting pig nutrition and health.

On 19 May, a pre-symposium workshops will be held on the physiological basis of voluntary feed intake in swine, and on pre- and post-absorptive regulation of nutrients.

For further information and the detailed scientific programme of the symposium, click here.