Fecal microbial composition and functional diversity of Wuzhishan pigs at different growth stages

Mingying Shao,Jibin Zhang,Zhixin Wang,Yingzhi He,Zhen Tan

doi:10.1186/s13568-021-01249-x

Mingying Shao, Jibin Zhang + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13568-021-01249-x

Copy DOI

Abstract

The mammalian gut microbiome participates in almost all life processes in the host. In addition to diet, the breed is the main factor affecting changes in the swine gut microbiota. The composition of the gut microbiota changes significantly during different growth stages. Research on developmental changes in the gut microbiota of indigenous Chinese pig breeds is limited. In this study, the fecal microbiota of Wuzhishan pigs (a Chinese indigenous miniature pig) at different growth stages was investigated using high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the two dominant phyla, accounting for more than 80% of all sequences. With increasing age, the fecal microbial diversity increased, and the proportion of Firmicutes increased, whereas the proportion of Bacteroidetes decreased. A total of 49 biomarkers with statistical differences were detected in the four growth stages. The different microbiota among groups enhanced the ability to degrade fiber, carbohydrates, and other substances during the growth stages. The endocrine system was different in multiple growth stage paired comparisons, which was attributed to the different body statuses in the growth stages. This study revealed developmental changes in the structure and function of gut microbes in local pigs.

Highlights

From birth to market, the gut microbiome of pigs during the entire growth period is not immutable, but rather a dynamic development process
We explored the growth stage differences in the composition and function of fecal microorganisms in Wuzhishan pigs using 16S rRNA gene sequencing
The distribution of the gut microbiota across the pig growth stages has been studied previously (Kim et al 2011, 2012, 2015). Both bacterial abundance and diversity increased with growth stages, and during the weaning period, the pig fecal microbiota shifted, causing a physiologically stressful time for animals (Pajarillo et al 2014b)

Summary

Introduction

The gut microbiome of pigs during the entire growth period is not immutable, but rather a dynamic development process. A high degree of microbial diversity has been observed in the meconium of newborn piglets, with Bacteroides, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Fusobacteria dominating at birth. Despite their low concentrations, these microorganisms may act as stains to promote the development of the pig gut microbiome during the subsequent growth stages. Shao et al AMB Expr (2021) 11:88 disrupt the balance of the original intestinal microbial community and gradually form a new state of balance of the microbial community structure. The drastic changes in the intestinal microbiota under various stimuli gradually return to a normal and stable state of balance as the interfering factors are eliminated (Dethlefsen et al 2008; Melin et al 2004). The proportion of Bacteroides from the higher abundance before weaning was significantly reduced after weaning, and Prevotella and Clostridium became the dominant genera (Pajarillo et al 2014a)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion