NC State students and faculty authored four of the 10 most-cited articles on the Journal of Animal Science’s 2022-23 list of high-impact research. Members of the Kim Lab, which focuses on nutrition and digestive physiology in swine and other monogastric animals, published three of the top five articles, which focused on the intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs. 

“It is exciting to see that the research of our faculty and graduate students is having an impact in the scientific community while addressing issues and opportunities that are important to our farmers,” said Department Head Todd See. “This response also indicates that the students conducting these projects are gaining valuable research experience on important issues that is preparing them for their careers.” 

No. 1
Authors: Xiangyi Xu, Marcos Elias Duarte, Sung Woo Kim. Postbiotic effects of Lactobacillus fermentate on intestinal health, mucosa-associated microbiota, and growth efficiency of nursery pigs challenged with F18+Escherichia coli.

No. 4
Authors: Vitor Hugo C Moita, Marcos Elias Duarte, Sung Woo Kim. Functional roles of xylanase enhancing intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs by reducing the digesta viscosity and modulating the mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum.

No. 5
Authors: Zixiao Deng, Marcos Elias Duarte, Ki Beom Jang, Sung Woo Kim. Soy protein concentrate replacing animal protein supplements and its impacts on intestinal immune status, intestinal oxidative stress status, nutrient digestibility, mucosa-associated microbiota, and growth performance of nursery pigs. 

NC State’s fourth article in the top 10 is a review that Assistant Professor Suzanne Leonard co-authored with colleagues from Iowa State University, the University of Kentucky and the University of Illinois.

No. 10
Authors: Brett C Ramirez, Morgan D Hayes, Isabella C F S Condotta, Suzanne M Leonard. Impact of housing environment and management on pre-/post-weaning piglet productivity.