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Gut eukaryotic communities in pigs: diversity, composition and host genetics contribution
Yuliaxis Ramayo-Caldas1, Francesc Prenafeta-Boldú2, Laura M Zingaretti3
1Animal Breeding and Genetics Program, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Torre Marimon, 08140, Caldes de Montbui, Spain. yuliaxis.ramayo@irta.cat.
Animal Microbiome
|January 27, 2021
Summary
This study reveals that gut fungi, like Kazachstania, positively influence piglet weight, while some protists have varied effects. Host genetics have a minor role in shaping these eukaryotic gut communities.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Microbiology
- Genetics
Background:
- The pig gut microbiome comprises diverse eukaryotes, including fungi and protists, yet their role remains understudied compared to prokaryotes.
- Limited knowledge exists on the genetic control and performance impact of gut eukaryotic communities in pigs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the diversity and composition of gut commensal eukaryotes in pigs.
- To explore the influence of host genetics on these eukaryotic communities.
- To analyze the association between gut eukaryotes and piglet body weight.
Main Methods:
- 18S and ITS ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of fecal samples from 514 Duroc pigs.
- Heritability estimation for diversity and abundance of eukaryotic communities in piglets.
- Genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify genetic variants.
Main Results:
- Fungal communities were dominated by Kazachstania spp.; protists like Blastocystis, Neobalantidium, Tetratrichomonas, and Trichomitus were predominant.
- Heritabilities for eukaryotic diversity and abundance were low (0.15-0.28).
- GWAS identified genetic variants linked to fungal diversity and Blastocystis abundance, associated with immunity and homeostasis.
- Kazachstania fungi positively correlated with piglet body weight, while protists showed mixed associations.
Conclusions:
- Host genetics exert a minor, taxa-specific influence on pig gut eukaryotic communities.
- Gut fungal and protist communities are associated with piglet body weight post-weaning.
- Understanding gut eukaryotes is crucial for optimizing pig performance, health, and welfare alongside bacterial contributions.
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