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Understanding host-microbiota interactions in the commercial piglet around weaning
M Saladrigas-García1, M D'Angelo1, H L Ko1
1Animal Nutrition and Welfare Service (SNiBA), Department of Animal and Food Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
Scientific Reports
|December 7, 2021
Summary
Early weaning significantly alters piglet gut microbiota, gene expression, and serum metabolites. These changes highlight the stress of weaning on gut health and function in young pigs.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Weaning is a critical developmental stage for piglets, impacting their health, welfare, and the swine industry's economics.
- Early weaning practices can induce significant physiological stress in piglets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of early weaning on piglet gut microbiota, intestinal gene expression, and serum metabolomic profiles.
- To utilize an integrated-omic approach to understand the complex responses to weaning stress.
Main Methods:
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing for gut microbiota analysis.
- OpenArray gene expression technology for intestinal gene profiling.
- Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy for serum metabolomic analysis.
- Sampling of blood, jejunum tissue, and caecal content from piglets before and after weaning.
Main Results:
- Significant shifts in caecal microbiota composition were observed post-weaning, with increased abundance of specific bacterial genera (e.g., Roseburia, Ruminococcus).
- Downregulation of key genes related to intestinal barrier function (e.g., OCLN, CLDN4) and digestion (e.g., SLC15A1) was noted.
- Metabolomic analysis revealed decreased levels of choline, lipids, and amino acids, alongside an increase in 3-hydroxybutyrate after weaning.
- Correlations identified between specific bacterial clusters and metabolic profiles, indicating interrelationships.
Conclusions:
- Early weaning imposes significant stress on piglets, leading to rapid gut microbial alterations.
- Weaning impacts intestinal gene expression, negatively affecting gut barrier and digestive functions.
- The study provides insights into the intricate associations between gut microbiota, host gene activity, and metabolic responses during the weaning transition.
