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Association Between Tail-Biting and Intestinal Microbiota Composition in Pigs
Nassima Rabhi1,2, Alexandre Thibodeau1,2, Jean-Charles Côté1,2
1Chaire de Recherche en Salubrité des Viandes - Conseil de Recherches en Sciences Naturelles et en Génie du Canada (CRSV-CRSNG), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|December 28, 2020
Summary
Tail-biting in pigs is linked to changes in intestinal microbiota (IM). Pigs exhibiting tail-biting or being bitten had different gut bacteria compared to healthy pigs, with lower levels of beneficial Lactobacillus.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Microbiology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Tail-biting (TB) is a significant welfare and economic issue in swine production.
- Current preventative measures like tail docking and enrichment are not fully effective.
- Nutrition and its impact on intestinal microbiota (IM) are potential factors influencing TB behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between tail-biting behavior and the composition of the intestinal microbiota in pigs.
- To compare IM profiles of pigs exhibiting tail-biting, those being bitten, and a control group of non-affected pigs.
Main Methods:
- Pigs were categorized into biter, bitten, and non-biter/non-bitten groups.
- Fecal and blood samples were collected during and after TB episodes.
- Serum cortisol was measured as a stress indicator.
- Fecal microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
Main Results:
- Serum cortisol levels were elevated in both biter and bitten pigs compared to controls.
- No significant differences in gut microbiota alpha-diversity were observed between groups.
- Beta-diversity analysis revealed significant differences in microbiota structure and composition between affected pigs and controls.
- Lactobacillus abundance was significantly lower in biter and bitten pigs compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
- Tail-biting behavior in pigs is associated with alterations in intestinal microbiota composition.
- Reduced abundance of Lactobacillus may play a role in the development of tail-biting behavior.
- Further research into nutritional interventions targeting IM could offer new strategies for TB prevention.
