Profile Of Pigs Research Articles

233 Exploring the impact of intrauterine growth restriction on fecal microbiota and metabolome in pigs

Abstract Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) poses a significant challenge in swine production, affecting approximately 20% of piglets and resulting in increased mortality rates, metabolic disturbances, compromised intestinal development, and altered microbial colonization. This phenomenon arises as the IUGR fetus adapts to limited oxygen and nutrient supply in utero by reallocating blood flow towards vital organs, particularly the brain, consequently leading to a greater brain-to-liver weight ratio (BrW/LW) at birth. Our study aimed to comprehensively investigate the repercussions of IUGR on fecal microbiota composition and plasma metabolome profiles in pigs from birth through to slaughter. To elucidate these effects, we conducted computed tomography scans on piglets within 24 h of birth to assess brain and liver weights accurately. Subsequently, we selected two groups of piglets based on the BrW/LW. Specifically, 12 piglets with the greatest BrW/LW (IUGR; BrW/LW: 1.00 ± 0.09) and 12 with the least BrW/LW (NORM; BrW/LW: 0.36 ± 0.04). From these piglets we collected fecal and blood samples at specific time points: during lactation (T1: d 16 ± 0.6), after the starter period (T2: d 63 ± 8.6), and at the onset (T3: d 119 ± 11.4) and conclusion (T4: d 162 ± 14.3) of the finisher period. Throughout the study, all pigs received identical diets to eliminate dietary confounders. In the lactation, starter and grower but not finisher period, IUGR piglets grew 47, 19 and 14% slower, respectively compared with their NORM littermates. Our findings revealed that fecal microbial α-diversity remained unaffected by IUGR across all time points examined, indicating a stable microbial richness within the gut microbiota of IUGR and NORM pigs. However, β-diversity, reflecting inter-group microbial community variation, exhibited significant differences at T1 (P = 0.002), T2 (P = 0.079), and T3 (P = 0.027), suggesting distinct microbial compositions between IUGR and NORM pigs at these stages. Specifically, IUGR pigs displayed a greater abundance of Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Romboutsia at T1, Prevotellaceae NK3B31 group, Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, and Alloprevotella at T2, and p-2534-18B5 gut group at T3. Conversely, the NORM group exhibited increased concentrations of Ruminococcus at T1, HT002 at T2, and Prevotella_9 at T3. Furthermore, while plasma metabolite analysis revealed no significant differences between IUGR and NORM pigs at T1, decreased arginine levels were observed in the IUGR group compared with NORM at T2 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our study underscores the profound and persistent impact of IUGR on fecal microbiota composition in pigs from birth to the initial stages of the finisher period, while suggesting minimal alterations in the blood metabolome profile throughout various growth stages. These findings provide valuable insights into the long-term consequences of IUGR on swine health and production. This research received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under a Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant (agreement no. 955374).

Excess dietary Lys reduces feed intake, stimulates jejunal CCK secretion and alters essential and non-essential blood AA profile in pigs

BackgroundCommercial diets are frequently formulated to meet or exceed nutrient levels including those of limiting essential amino acids (AA) covering potential individual variations within the herd. However, the provision of dietary excess of AA, such as Lys, may lead to reduced appetite and growth in pigs. The mechanisms modulating these responses have not been extensively investigated. This study evaluated the effect of Lys dietary excesses on performance and satiety biomarkers in post weaning pigs.MethodsTwenty-four pigs aged 21 d and weighing 6.81 ± 0.12 kg (mean ± SEM) were individually housed and offered 1 of 4 dietary treatments for 3 weeks: a diet containing a standardized ileal digestible Lys reaching 100% (T0), 120% (T1), 150% (T2) or 200% (T3) of the NRC (2012) requirements. At the end of the experiment, blood samples from the cephalic vein of the T0 and T3 groups were obtained for AA analysis. In addition, primary intestinal cultures from T0 pigs were used, following their humane killing, to evaluate the effect of Lys on gut hormone secretion and AA sensors gene expression under ex vivo conditions.ResultsFeed intake was linearly reduced (P < 0.001) and the weight gain to feed ratio reduced (P < 0.10) with increased dietary levels of Lys during the third- and first-week post weaning, respectively. Cholecystokinin concentration (P < 0.05) and the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 and the solute carrier family 7 member 2 (P < 0.10) gene expression was enhanced in proximal jejunum tissues incubated with Lys at 20 mmol/L when compared to the control (Lys 0 mmol/L). Plasma Lys and Glu (P < 0.05) concentration increased in the T3 compared to T0 pigs. In contrast, plasma levels of His, Val, Thr, Leu (P < 0.05) and Gln (P < 0.10) were lower in T3 than T0 pigs.ConclusionThe present results confirm that excess dietary Lys inhibits hunger in pigs. Moreover, the results provide evidence of pre- and post-absorptive mechanisms modulating these responses. Lys dietary excesses should be narrowed, when possible, to avoid negative effects of the AA on appetite in pigs.

Recombinant Phytase Modulates Blood Amino Acids and Proteomics Profiles in Pigs Fed with Low-Protein, -Calcium, and -Phosphorous Diets.

A beneficial effect of corn-expressed phytase (CEP) on the growth performance of pigs fed with very low-protein (VLP) diets was previously shown. Little is known whether this improvement is related to alterations in the expression profiles of blood proteins and amino acids (AAs). The objective of this study was to investigate whether supplementation of VLP, low-calcium (Ca), and low-P diets with a CEP would alter the blood AAs and protein expression profiles in pigs. Forty-eight pigs were subjected to one of the following groups (n = 8/group) for 4 weeks: positive control (PC), negative control-reduced protein (NC), NC + low-dose CEP (LD), NC + high-dose CEP (HD), LD with reduced Ca/P (LDR), and HD with reduced Ca/P (HDR). Plasma leucine and phenylalanine concentrations were reduced in NC; however, the LD diet recovered the concentration of these AAs. Serum proteomics analysis revealed that proteins involved with growth regulation, such as selenoprotein P were upregulated while the IGF-binding proteins family proteins were differentially expressed in CEP-supplemented groups. Furthermore, a positive correlation was detected between growth and abundance of proteins involved in bone mineralization and muscle structure development. Taken together, CEP improved the blood profile of some essential AAs and affected the expression of proteins involved in the regulation of growth.

Porcine digestible peptides as alternative protein source in weaner diets: effects on performance and systemic cytokine profile in pigs followed from weaning to slaughter

Porcine digestible peptides (PDP) are high-quality hydrolysed proteins obtained from porcine intestinal mucosa as a by-product of the heparin manufacturing process. PDP contain bioactive peptides and are used as alternative protein sources in several animal species, including pigs. We aimed to explore the (carry-over) effects of feeding PDP to weaned piglets on performance and systemic cytokine levels of pigs followed until slaughter. A total of 192 piglets were allocated to one of two dietary treatments: control (CON) or PDP weaner diets. PDP was included at 5.0% until day 13 post-weaning at the expense of skimmed milk powder and partial replacement of soybean meal, and at 2.5% between days 13 and 34 post-weaning at the expense of soy protein concentrate. Grower-finishers were fed commercial diets according to a 3-phase feeding scheme until slaughter, when carcass traits were determined. Six pigs were housed per weaner pen and eight per grower-finisher pen with 16 and 10 pens per treatment, respectively. Pigs were weighed at the start and at the end of each phase, and feed intake was recorded. Faecal consistency was recorded twice a week in the weaner facility. Ten pigs per treatment were sampled for blood at days 13, 34 and 69 post-weaning. We found that PDP-fed piglets had a higher feed intake in the first two weeks post-weaning compared to CON-fed piglets (+32 g/pig per day; P = 0.02). Moreover, piglets in the PDP group showed improved feed conversion between days 13 and 34 versus the CON group (1.36 vs 1.43; P = 0.03). Piglets that were fed with PDP in the weaner diets tended to grow faster in the grower-finisher period (+32 g/pig per day; P = 0.07), tended to reach slaughter age earlier (129.9 vs 131.5 days; P = 0.07) and had a lower dressing percentage at slaughter (76.3 vs 76.7%, P = 0.045) than piglets previously fed with CON. Additionally, PDP-fed piglets showed higher serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-12 (P = 0.02), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (P = 0.02), interferon-gamma (P = 0.03) and IL-8 (at day 34 post-weaning, P = 0.06) as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines transforming growth factor-beta (P = 0.02), IL-4 (P = 0.04) and IL-10 (at day 34 post-weaning, P = 0.02). No significant differences among dietary treatments were observed regarding faecal consistency of weaned piglets and carcass weight, lean meat percentage, muscle depth, and back fat thickness at slaughter. We conclude that feeding PDP, as an alternative to conventional milk and soy protein sources, showed positive effects on pig performance, not only during the provisioning period but also thereafter into the grower-finisher phase.

71. Bile acid profile in pigs fed different levels and sources of copper

71. Bile acid profile in pigs fed different levels and sources of copper

Immunogenicity and safety in pigs of PHH-1V, a SARS-CoV-2 RBD fusion heterodimer vaccine candidate

The continuing high global incidence of COVID-19 and the undervaccinated status of billions of persons strongly motivate the development of a new generation of efficacious vaccines. We have developed an adjuvanted vaccine candidate, PHH-1V, based on a protein comprising the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the Beta variant of SARS-CoV-2 fused in tandem with the equivalent domain of the Alpha variant, with its immunogenicity, safety and efficacy previously demonstrated in mouse models. In the present study, we immunized pigs with different doses of PHH-1V in a prime-and-boost scheme showing PHH-1V to exhibit an excellent safety profile in pigs and to produce a solid RBD-specific humoral response with neutralising antibodies to 7 distinct SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, with the induction of a significant IFNγ+ T-cell response. We conclude that PHH-1V is safe and elicits a robust immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in pigs, a large animal preclinical model.

POLYMICROBIAL AND POLYVIRUS ASSOCIATIONS IN PIGS OF DIFFERENT AGES WITH SIGNS OF RESPIRATORY PATHOLOGY ON THE EXAMPLE OF SEVERAL PIG COMPLEXES FOR 24 THOUSAND HEADS

The article presents data on the study of the viral-bacterial profile in pigs of different ages in the farms of the Republic of Belarus. It has been established that the maximum number of PRDC pathogens in most households is iso-lated at the age of 60−80 days, bacterial pathology accumulates gradually and, as a rule, is a secondary infection (with the exception of IAR).&#x0D; The viral and bacterial profile depends on the epizootic situation in the farm, the most complete list of CRPC pathogens (11 out of 13) was observed in farm No. 4. Primary detection in samples of 60−80 day old piglets of the APP pathogen genome indicates its later infection compared to hemophiliasis pathogens and IAR. Infection with the causative agent of IAR presumably occurs in the post-weaning period up to 40 days.

251 A Combination of Dietary Isoleucine and Valine Above Recommended Levels Improves the Growth and Alters the Metabolites Profile in Pigs fed with Very low Protein Diets

Abstract Very low-protein (VLP) diets are beneficial for reducing the nitrogen excretion from swine production, but these diets depress the performance of pigs while supplemented with first four limiting amino acids (FFL; i.e. Lys, Met, Thr and Trp). The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementation of Val and Ile above NRC (2012) levels on performance, thermal radiation and blood metabolites of pigs fed with VLP diets. Three-week-old weaned barrows (n = 40) were assigned to: positive control (PC): normal protein diet; negative control (NC): VLP diet containing FFL at NRC levels; HV: NC with Val above NRC; HI: NC with Ile above NRC; HVI: NC with both Val and Ile above NRC. After 5 weeks of data collection, blood samples were collected. Univariate GLM with Tukey post-hoc test was used to analyze the data (SPSS). Pigs fed with NC had a decreased average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared with PC (P&amp;lt; 0.05). HVI pigs had less ADG than PC, but greater ADG than NC (P&amp;lt; 0.05). ADFI of pigs fed with HVI was similar to PC and it was greater than NC (P&amp;lt; 0.05). HVI pigs had a higher thermal radiation than NC (P&amp;lt; 0.05). While HVI pigs had greater blood glucose than PC and NC at baseline (P&amp;lt; 0.05), no differences among these groups were observed on postprandial blood glucose concentration. HVI pigs had less blood triglycerides than PC. All groups increased the blood cholesterol compared with PC (P&amp;lt; 0.05). There were no differences in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) for NC vs. PC; however, pigs fed with HVI reduced the BUN compared with NC (P&amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of Val and Ile greater than NRC into VLP diets partially restored the performance and fully recovered the ADFI, reduced the blood triglycerides and BUN, and improved the glucose tolerance.

Effects of the increased protein level in small intestine on the colonic microbiota, inflammation and barrier function in growing pigs

BackgroundAn increased level of the dietary protein alters the colonic microbial community and metabolic profile of pigs, but it remains unclear whether this leads to colonic inflammation and impairs barrier function in growing pigs.ResultsSixteen pigs (35.2 ± 0.3 kg) were infused with sterile saline (control) or soy protein hydrolysate (SPH) (70 g/day) through a duodenal fistula twice daily during a 15-day experimental period. The SPH treatment did not affect their average daily feed intake and daily weight gain (P > 0.05), but reduced colon index and length (P < 0.05). Illumina MiSeq sequencing revealed that species richness was increased following SPH intervention (P < 0.05). Furthermore, SPH reduced the abundance of butyrate- and propionate-producing bacteria—such as Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, Lachnospiraceae_uncultured, Coprococcus 3, Lachnospiraceae UCG-002, and Anaerovibrio—and increased the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria and protein-fermenting bacteria, such as Escherichia-Shigella, Dialister, Veillonella, Prevotella, Candidatus Saccharimonas, Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-006, Prevotellaceae_uncultured, and Prevotellaceae UCG-003 (P < 0.05). In addition, a lower content of total short-chain fatty acids, propionate, and butyrate and a higher concentration of cadaverine, putrescine, total biogenic amines, ammonia, and isovalerate were observed following SPH infusion (P < 0.05). Further analysis revealed that SPH increased the concentration of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in the colonic mucosa (P < 0.05). Interestingly, SPH intervention increased the expression of occludin, zonula occludens (ZO)-1, and claudin-1 in colonic mucosa (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that different genera were significantly related to the production of metabolites and the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines.ConclusionAn increased soy protein level in the small intestine altered the colonic microbial composition and metabolic profile, which resulted in the secretion of colonic proinflammatory cytokines and the increased expression of tight junction proteins.

O27. Blood metabolic profile of pigs fed different dietary zinc levels after weaning

O27. Blood metabolic profile of pigs fed different dietary zinc levels after weaning

O28. Fecal microbial profile of pigs fed different dietary zinc levels after weaning

O28. Fecal microbial profile of pigs fed different dietary zinc levels after weaning

Ferrous Bisglycinate Supplementation Modulates Intestinal Antioxidant Capacity via the AMPK/FOXO Pathway and Reconstitutes Gut Microbiota and Bile Acid Profiles in Pigs.

Multi-omics were applied to compare the risks and benefits of ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) and ferrous bisglycinate (FebisGly) in pigs in the current study. The FebisGly group showed reduced triglyceride (TG) and triglyceride/total cholesterol (TG/CHOL) values in the serum and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased glutathione (GSH) levels in the duodenum. Transcriptome analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes in the duodenum were enriched in oxidative phosphorylation, AMPK, and FOXO signaling pathways between FeSO4 and FebisGly groups. AMPK phosphorylation and FOXO3 protein expressions were significantly increased in the FebisGly group. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed significantly reduced alpha diversity in the FeSO4 group and increased Firmicutes, reduced Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria abundances in the FebisGly group. Targeted metabolome revealed notably increased lithocholic acid (LCA), glycolithocholic acid (GLCA), hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), and glycoursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA) in the FebisGly group. RDA analysis indicated that Fusobacteria was positively correlated with TG and TG/high-density lipoprotein in the FeSO4 group while Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-002, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 were positively correlated with UDCA and GLCA in the FebisGly group. According to the current study, FebisGly improves serum lipid metabolism, modulates intestinal antioxidant capacity via the AMPK/FOXO pathway, and reconstitutes gut microbiota and bile acid profiles in pigs.

Relationship between indirect genetic effects for growth, environmental enrichment, coping style and sex with the serum metabolome profile of pigs

Including Indirect Genetic Effects (IGE) in breeding programs to reduce aggression in group housed animals has been proposed. However, the effect of selection for IGE for growth on animal metabolism and physiology is unknown. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) To investigate the effects of this new breeding method along with two housing (barren and straw), coping style (high and low resisters) and sex (female and castrated males) options on the metabolome profile of pigs. (2) To identify and map biological processes associated with a regrouping test at 9 weeks of age. We used Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to quantify 49 serum metabolites at week 8, 9 and 22. Also, we quantified 3 catecholamines (tyramine, epinephrine, phenylethylamine) and serotonin and three water soluble vitamins (B2, B5 and B7). Overall, no significant differences were observed between negative and positive IGE animals. The magnitude of change (delta) of many metabolites as a response to the regrouping test was significantly affected by IGE, especially that of the amino acids (P < 0.05), being greater in positive IGE pigs. The regrouping test was associated with alteration in glycine, serine and threonine metabolism. In conclusion positive and negative IGE animals respond differently to the regrouping test.

222 Corn-expressed Phytase Modulates Serum Amino Acids and Proteomics Profiles in Nursery Pigs Fed with Low-protein, -calcium, and -phosphorous Diets

Abstract Feeding pigs with very low-protein (VLP) and low-phosphorous (P) diets may be useful for decreasing the nutrients excretion to the environment; however, this practice negatively impacts the animals’ growth performance. A beneficial effect of corn-expressed phytase (CEP) on growth performance of pigs fed with VLP diets was shown by our group recently. Little is known whether this improvement is related with alterations in profile of blood proteins and amino acids (AA). The objective of this study was to investigate whether supplementation of VLP, low-calcium (Ca) and low-P diets with a CEP can influence the serum AA and proteomics profiles in pigs. Forty-eight weaned barrows were subjected into one of the following groups (n = 8/group) for 4 weeks: positive control (PC), negative control-reduced protein (NC), NC+low-dose CEP, i.e 2,000 FTU/kg (LD), NC+high-dose CEP, i.e. 4,000 FTU/kg (HD), LD with reduced Ca/P (LDR), and HD with reduced Ca/P (HDR). At week 4, blood samples were collected from all pigs. Compared to PC, NC reduced the serum leucine and phenylalanine concentrations; however, LD recovered their levels. Using trypsinolysis and mass spectrometry, 703 serum proteins were identified and quantified, wherein 25 were found to be differentially expressed among groups. Hierarchical clustering showed a clear separation in proteins identified among dietary groups. Compared to NC, 23 and 24 proteins were found to be differentially expressed in serum of LD and HD groups, respectively, with some important proteins in growth regulation such as SELENOP being upregulated and the IGFBP family being downregulated in these groups. A positive correlation was detected between growth and abundance of BGN, TLN1, PDLIM1 and COL1A2 that are involved in bone mineralization and muscle structure development. Thus, CEP improved the serum profile of some essential AA and affected the expression of proteins involved in regulation of growth in pigs fed with VLP diets.

PSIX-30 Modulating action of fish oil on serum profiles of pigs exposed to prenatal inflammatory signals

Abstract Inflammatory signals elicited in response to stressors during gestation can affect fetal development and can have prolonged postnatal effects in the offspring. The objectives of the present study were to assess the effects of viral infection during gestation on nursed piglets, and to investigate possible modulating effects of fish oil. A total of 36 pigs were studied, distributed across three gilt treatment groups and sexes within treatment group. One-third of the piglets served as reference, being born from gilts that were not exposed to viral infection and receiving a non-supplemented diet. Another third of the piglets were born from gilts that were challenged with porcine reproductive and respiratory virus during the last third of gestation and receiving a non-supplemented diet. The remaining piglets were born from gilts that were challenged with the virus and were supplemented with fish oil (2.5 g of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaeonic acid). All gilts received diets that met nutritional requirements during gestation and lactation (~90% corn and soybean meal). The piglets remained with the gilts and nursed until 22 d of age at which time blood was drawn and the levels of metabolic parameters were measured. The immune challenge during gestation had a significant effect on the level of globulin (P &amp;lt; 0.02). The globulin levels were higher in female piglets from gilts infected during gestation relative to control gilts. The blood level of triglycerides was similar between piglets from reference gilts and viral-infected gilts supplemented with fish oil, and lower than in piglets from non-supplemented infected gilts. Our results demonstrate that fish oil supplementation can modulate effects of infection during gestation on the piglet. This study is supported by USDA NIFA AFRI, grant number 2018-67015-27413.

Model genetic profiles of pigs of mother breeds on genes - productivity markers

Currently, development of molecular genetics and biology allows for genomic analysis and selection directly at the DNA level (marker-dependent selection). The aim of the research was to develop model genetic profiles for marker genes of quantitative traits of productivity of pigs of planned maternal breeds used in pig breeding. Such breeds in the Republic of Belarus are as follows: Belarusian large white, Belarusian black and white and Yorkshire. The studies were carried out at the agricultural branch of Zadneprovsky SGC, Orshansky Plant of Bread Products, JSC, Zarechye SGC, Zapadny SGC with populations of purebred animals of Belarusian Large White, Belarusian Black and White and Belarusian plant type of Yorkshire pigs during 2002-2018. Genetic testing was carried out with sows, boars and finishing pigs of maternal breeds. As a starting material, tissue samples from the auricle of pigs were used with DNA isolated and optimized for the analysis of gene polymorphism using PCR - RFLP method in the laboratories of molecular biotechnology and DNA testing (Research and Practical Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus for Animal Breeding) and animal genetics (Institute of Genetics and Cytology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus). As a result of studies based on the established polymorphism, model genetic profiles of maternal breeds of pigs were developed for marker genes of quantitative traits of productivity. The maximum achieved level of the preferred genotype for each marker gene among the three maternal breeds served as a model profile for the evaluated breeds (breeding young animals). For breeds with an established high level of marker gene polymorphism and productivity, a model profile has been developed that exceeds the achieved indicator by 8-10 p.p.

Supplemental impact of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) hard pellet and residue pellet-based diet as a replacement for corn on the growth performance, total tract digestibility and blood profiles in pigs.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of cassava hard pellet and residue pellet-based diet as a replacement for corn on the growth performance, total tract digestibility and blood profile in pigs. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the processed cassava as replacement for corn in pigs. In Exp. 1, seventy-two weanling pigs with an average initial body weight of 6.44±0.52kg were assigned to one of the two treatments: CON, basal diet, and CHP, basal diet with cassava hard pellet for 28days trial. The dietary inclusion of CHP had significantly decreased average daily gain of weanling pigs during d 1-14 and the overall experimental period. In addition, significant reduction was observed on gain-to-feed ratio during d 1-14, while no effect was noted on average daily feed intake. Exp. 2 was carried out for 42days, in which 84growing pigs were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments with 4 pigs/pen and 7 pen/treatment. The three dietary treatments were supplement with 0%, 20% and 40% of cassava. Dietary inclusion of cassava supplementation has failed to affect the growth performance and blood profile during overall experiment. In Exp. 3, a total of 96 crossbred finishing pigs were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments containing 25% cassava in a 2×2 factorial design with two different levels of energy with or without 0.1% carbohydrase for 28days. Pigs fed 0.1% carbohydrase with high energy diet reduced average daily feed intake and increased gain-to-feed ratio compared to those fed low energy diet. However, significantly enhanced nutrient digestibility in both energy and carbohydrase groups were observed. In summary, the inclusion of cassava basal diet with 0.1% carbohydrase supplementation has beneficially enhanced the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of pigs.

Chlortetracycline alters microbiota of gut or faeces in pigs and leads to accumulation and migration of antibiotic resistance genes

In this study, we investigated the effect of long-term use of chlortetracycline (CTC) on the gut microbiota composition and metabolism profiles in pigs, and the variation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and microbial communities in faeces and manure during aerobic composting (AC) and anaerobic digestion (AD). The pigs were fed the same basal diet supplemented with or without 75 mg/kg CTC, and fresh faeces of 30-, 60-, 90-, and 120-day-old pigs were collected from the CTC group. The results showed that CTC reduced the diversity of the gut microbiota significantly and changed its structure. Metabolomics analysis of intestinal contents revealed 23 differentially abundant metabolites, mainly organic acids, carbohydrates, and amino acids. Metabolic pathways, such as the TCA cycle, propionate metabolism, and pyruvate metabolism, were changed. From 30 to 120 days of age, the amount of CTC residues in faeces and the abundance of 3 tetracycline resistance genes increased significantly, and it was positively correlated with tetC, tetG, tetW, sul1 and intI2. CTC residue levels and ARGs abundance gradually decreased with fermentation time, and AC was better than AD at reducing ARGs abundance. The results suggest that in-feed CTC can reduce the diversity of the gut microbiota, change the structure, function and metabolism of the bacterial community, and increase the abundance of ARGs in faeces.

Sexual Dimorphism of Metabolite Profiles in Pigs Depends on the Genetic Background.

The study aimed to investigate possible systematic effects in the basic underlying variability of individual metabolomic data. In this context, the extent of gender- and genotype-dependent differences reflected in the metabolic composition of three tissues in fattening pigs was determined. The 40 pigs belonged to the genotypes PIx(LWxGL) and PIxGL with gilts and boars, respectively. Blood and tissue samples from M. longissimus dorsi and liver were directly taken at the slaughtering plant and directed to GC × GC qMS metabolite analysis. Differences were observed for various metabolite classes like amino acids, fatty acids, sugars, or organic acids. Gender-specific differences were much more pronounced than genotype-related differences, which could be due to the close genetic relation of the fattening pigs. However, the metabolic dimorphism between gilts and boars was found to be genotype-dependent, and vice versa metabolic differences between genotypes were found to be gender-dependent. Most interestingly, integration into metabolic pathways revealed different patterns for carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) usage in boars and gilts. We suppose a stronger N-recycling and increased energy metabolism in boars, whereas, in gilts, more N is presumably excreted and remaining carbon skeletons channeled into lipogenesis. Associations of metabolites to meat quality factors confirmed the applicability of metabolomics approaches for a better understanding about the impact of drivers (e.g., gender, age, breed) on physiological processes influencing meat quality. Due to the huge complexity of the drivers-traits-network, the derivation of independent biomarkers for meat quality prediction will hardly be possible.

A gene co-association network regulating gut microbial communities in a Duroc pig population

BackgroundAnalyses of gut microbiome composition in livestock species have shown its potential to contribute to the regulation of complex phenotypes. However, little is known about the host genetic control over the gut microbial communities. In pigs, previous studies are based on classical “single-gene-single-trait” approaches and have evaluated the role of host genome controlling gut prokaryote and eukaryote communities separately.ResultsIn order to determine the ability of the host genome to control the diversity and composition of microbial communities in healthy pigs, we undertook genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for 39 microbial phenotypes that included 2 diversity indexes, and the relative abundance of 31 bacterial and six commensal protist genera in 390 pigs genotyped for 70 K SNPs. The GWAS results were processed through a 3-step analytical pipeline comprised of (1) association weight matrix; (2) regulatory impact factor; and (3) partial correlation and information theory. The inferred gene regulatory network comprised 3561 genes (within a 5 kb distance from a relevant SNP–P < 0.05) and 738,913 connections (SNP-to-SNP co-associations). Our findings highlight the complexity and polygenic nature of the pig gut microbial ecosystem. Prominent within the network were 5 regulators, PRDM15, STAT1, ssc-mir-371, SOX9 and RUNX2 which gathered 942, 607, 588, 284 and 273 connections, respectively. PRDM15 modulates the transcription of upstream regulators of WNT and MAPK-ERK signaling to safeguard naive pluripotency and regulates the production of Th1- and Th2-type immune response. The signal transducer STAT1 has long been associated with immune processes and was recently identified as a potential regulator of vaccine response to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome. The list of regulators was enriched for immune-related pathways, and the list of predicted targets includes candidate genes previously reported as associated with microbiota profile in pigs, mice and human, such as SLIT3, SLC39A8, NOS1, IL1R2, DAB1, TOX3, SPP1, THSD7B, ELF2, PIANP, A2ML1, and IFNAR1. Moreover, we show the existence of host-genetic variants jointly associated with the relative abundance of butyrate producer bacteria and host performance.ConclusionsTaken together, our results identified regulators, candidate genes, and mechanisms linked with microbiome modulation by the host. They further highlight the value of the proposed analytical pipeline to exploit pleiotropy and the crosstalk between bacteria and protists as significant contributors to host-microbiome interactions and identify genetic markers and candidate genes that can be incorporated in breeding program to improve host-performance and microbial traits.CMu2mBtM4pXqucLimd7oyAVideo