Growing Tibetan Pigs Adapt to High-Fiber Diets by Enhancing Fiber Degradation Capacity

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Microbiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Limited understanding of microbial fiber degradation and short-chain fatty acid synergy in high-fiber diets.
• Tibetan pigs possess unique adaptations to high-altitude environments, potentially influencing their digestive physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a high-fiber diet on Tibetan pigs' growth, nutrient utilization, and gut microbial function.
• To elucidate the relationship between fiber-degrading enzymes, short-chain fatty acids, and fecal microbiota composition.

Main Methods:

• Comparative study of control (5% crude fiber) and high-fiber (10% crude fiber) diets in growing Tibetan pigs.
• Analysis of growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood/serum parameters, enzyme activities, and fecal microbial composition.

Main Results:

• High-fiber diet did not affect growth or nutrient digestibility but significantly increased fecal cellulase and hemicellulase activities.
• Elevated levels of acetic, propionic, and butyric acids were observed in the high-fiber group.
• Increased relative abundance of Fibrobacter and p-75-a5 was correlated with enhanced enzyme activities and SCFA production.

Conclusions:

• Tibetan pigs efficiently utilize dietary fiber through specialized colonic microbial mechanisms.
• Fibrobacter and p-75-a5 are crucial for fiber utilization, secreting enzymes that facilitate fiber decomposition and metabolite generation.