Cold stress changes the composition and function of microbiota in the content and mucosa of the ileum and colon in piglets

Abstract

Context Cold stress is a significant factor that contributes to the imbalance of energy in piglets during their early life. Recent studies have shown that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining energy homeostasis under cold-stress conditions. Aims This study aims to investigate the effects of cold stress on the microbiota and expression pathways in the colon and ileum of weaned piglets, providing new insights and methods for helping piglets resist cold stress. Methods In total, 10 piglets in the cold-stress group (n = 5) and room-temperature group (n = 5) were sacrificed. Intestinal contents and mucosa samples were collected for 16S rRNA analysis. Key results The results showed that cold stress increased the observed features and chao1 index in the colonic mucosa. The beta diversity of ileum, colon and ileum mucosa was significantly changed. Under cold stress, the relative abundance of Acholeplasma, Proteiniphilum, and Olsenella increased in the contents of the ileum and colon. The relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae sp., Butyricicoccus, and Lachnospiraceae FCS020 increased in the mucosa of the colon. Sphingomonas, Helicobacter, Cutibacterium, and Bradyrhizobium were significantly increased in the mucosa of the ileum. In predicted functions, after cold stress, the purine metabolism and degradation increased in the content and mucosa of the ileum and mucosa of the colon. The fat biosynthesis pathway increased in the content of the colon. Complex carbohydrate degradation increased in the mucosa of both. Conclusions These findings suggest that cold stress has a significant impact on the species richness, composition, and predicted functions of the microbiota in the ileum and colon of piglets, with these effects varying depending on the location within the gut. Implications Therefore, we can help piglets resist cold stress by modifying the structure of gut microbiota through the addition of probiotics or adjusting the composition of their diet.