Valeriia Ladyhina
My name is Valeriia Ladyhina, and since June 2026 I have been a postdoctoral researcher in the Nutrition and Metabolism of Monogastric Animals research group at SLU. During my PhD at the Department of Animal Biosciences, SLU, and within the Uppsala Antibiotic Center, I studied antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on pig farms, investigating factors that may influence its development and spread. I also developed a bioinformatics pipeline for reproducible analysis of the resistome (the collection of genes that enable microorganisms to resist antibiotics) and consistent comparisons across samples and studies. I am particularly interested in using advances in sequencing and bioinformatics to better understand microbial communities. My research interests centre on the microbiome and resistome and their connections with animal nutrition and health.
Within SustAinimal, I work on a project funded by Lantmännen that investigates how the sow, her diet and the pen environment contribute to the establishment of the gut microbiome in piglets. We compare sow diets containing different fibre sources and study how these influence the microbiome of both the sows and their offspring. We also examine how the development of the gut microbiome relates to piglets’ immune system maturation, gut health and growth.
The broader aim is to understand how the sow’s diet and the early-life environment could help piglets become more resilient to infections and weaning stress, potentially reducing associated health problems. This knowledge could support feeding strategies that improve animal health and welfare, reduce the need for antibiotics and contribute to more sustainable pig production.
What attracts me to this project is the opportunity to connect microbiome research with practical questions about animal health and feeding, and ultimately contribute to improved animal welfare. Through SustAinimal Academy, I look forward to exchanging ideas, learning from researchers across different disciplines as well as farmers and others working in the agricultural sector, and building new connections.
In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball and exploring different forms of art. Most of my spare time, however, is spent training and enjoying life with my fluffy companion, Viggo, a Stabijhoun.