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Microbial composition differs between production systems and is associated with growth performance and carcass
Christian Maltecca1, Rob Dunn2, Yuqing He3
1Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, 120 W Broughton Dr, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA. cmaltec@ncsu.edu.
Animal Microbiome
|August 29, 2021
Summary
Swine gut microbiome composition differs between nucleus and commercial farms, influencing growth and carcass traits. Specific bacterial genera like Lactobacillus and Peptococcus positively impact swine production performance.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Microbiology
- Genetics
Background:
- The swine microbiome's role in livestock production is increasingly recognized.
- Limited understanding exists regarding microbiome variations between swine production systems (nucleus vs. commercial).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare fecal microbial composition in nucleus and commercial swine populations.
- To identify microbial associations with growth and carcass traits in different production systems.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples collected from nucleus and commercial swine populations at various time points.
- Analysis of fecal microbial composition (Operational Taxonomic Units - OTUs).
- Correlation analysis between microbial communities and production traits (growth rate, carcass composition).
Main Results:
- Significant microbial diversity observed at weaning in both systems.
- Distinct microbial profiles emerged between nucleus and commercial populations post-weaning.
- Lactobacillus and Peptococcus OTUs positively correlated with growth and fatness in commercial populations.
- Succinivibrio negatively correlated with traits in nucleus populations, while Roseburia showed positive associations.
- Consistent positive effects of Lactobacillus, Peptococcus, and Blautia on daily gain and fat deposition across both systems.
- Negative association between Bacteroides abundance and growth performance.
Conclusions:
- First characterization of microbial community value across swine production systems.
- Provides insights for integrating microbiome data into swine selection for sustainable protein production.
