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Differences in pig gut bacteria composition, though subtle, may influence feed efficiency (FE). Specific microbes like Christensenellaceae were more abundant in feed-efficient pigs, suggesting potential biomarkers for improving FE in swine production.

Keywords:
cecumfecesileumresidual feed intakeswine

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Area of Science:

  • Animal Science
  • Microbiology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Feed efficiency (FE) is crucial for economic viability and environmental sustainability in pig farming.
  • The gut microbiota is recognized for its role in nutrient absorption and energy extraction, potentially impacting FE.
  • Residual feed intake (RFI) serves as a metric for FE, allowing for the study of underlying biological mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between intestinal microbiota composition and FE in pigs.
  • To characterize the gut microbial communities of pigs with varying levels of RFI under controlled conditions.
  • To identify specific microbial taxa or functional pathways associated with high and low FE.

Main Methods:

  • Selection of 32 pigs with extreme RFI values (low, medium, high) from an initial cohort of 81.
  • 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze intestinal microbiota diversity, composition, and predicted functionality.
  • Quantification of ileal isobutyric acid concentrations.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in overall microbial diversity were observed across RFI groups.
  • RFI-associated compositional shifts were detected, particularly in the Firmicutes phylum, with specific taxa differing between low and high RFI pigs.
  • Microbes such as Christensenellaceae and Oscinibacter, associated with a leaner host, were enriched in low RFI (more feed-efficient) pigs.
  • Reduced abundance of Nocardiaceae (Rhodococcus) in the ileum of low RFI pigs was noted.
  • Predictive functional analysis indicated enhanced metabolic capabilities in the ileal microbiota of low RFI pigs.
  • Higher concentrations of ileal isobutyric acid were found in low RFI pigs.

Conclusions:

  • Subtle differences in intestinal microbiota composition may contribute to variations in porcine FE.
  • Specific microbial taxa, including Christensenellaceae, show potential as biomarkers for FE.
  • While not a major factor, the gut microbiome represents a potential target for future interventions to improve FE.
  • Further research, including culturability studies and intervention trials, is needed to validate and exploit these findings for practical applications in pig production.