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Microbial signatures and enterotype clusters in fattening pigs: implications for nitrogen utilization efficiency
Naomi Sarpong1,2, Jana Seifert1,2, Jörn Bennewitz1,2
1Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|April 25, 2024
Summary
Improving nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) in pigs is key for sustainable farming. Fecal microbiota composition, particularly the CSST enterotype, is linked to higher NUE, offering insights for future strategies.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Rising global pork demand necessitates enhanced nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) in pig farming for environmental sustainability.
- Understanding the interplay between gut microbiota and NUE is crucial for optimizing swine production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between fecal microbiota, their metabolites, and NUE in crossbreed fattening pigs.
- To identify potential microbial biomarkers associated with high and low NUE.
- To explore the influence of host factors (sire, sex) and time on the gut microbiome and its connection to NUE.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 892 fecal samples from pigs under standardized, two-phase feeding conditions.
- Target amplicon sequencing of fecal DNA to characterize microbial communities.
- Grouping of fecal samples into enterotype-like clusters (LACTO and CSST).
Main Results:
- Fecal microbiota composition was influenced by sire, sampling period, and sex.
- Streptococcus was identified as a potential biomarker for NUE differences.
- Pigs were classified into two enterotype-like clusters, LACTO and CSST, with cluster affiliation varying over time and potentially by sex.
- The stable CSST cluster exhibited the highest NUE, irrespective of lower average daily gain or dry matter intake.
Conclusions:
- Fecal microbiota plays a significant role in nitrogen utilization efficiency in pigs.
- The CSST enterotype is associated with enhanced NUE, suggesting a potential target for improving sustainability in pig farming.
- Genetic predisposition and host factors influence the gut microbiome's contribution to NUE.
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