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Postnatal changes in selected bacterial groups of the pig colonic microflora
W E Swords1, C C Wu, F R Champlin
1Department of Biological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University 39762-5759.
Biology of the Neonate
|January 1, 1993
Summary
The colonic microflora rapidly colonizes after birth, shifting from facultative to obligate anaerobes within 48 hours. Adult microflora, like Bacteroides spp., establish gradually over 120 days, highlighting the need to study anaerobic gut bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Animal Science
Background:
- The colonic microflora plays a vital role in host health and nutrition.
- The precise mechanisms of colonic microflora colonization and establishment remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the quantitative and qualitative changes in colonic microflora during the first 120 days of postnatal development in pigs.
- To provide detailed insights into the sequential development of the gut microbiome in early life.
Main Methods:
- In situ samples were aseptically collected from the distal colon of individual pigs.
- Anaerobic techniques were employed to maintain sample integrity.
- Bacterial populations were quantified and characterized over the first 120 postnatal days.
Main Results:
- Colons were sterile at birth but rapidly colonized, reaching densities of 10^9-10^10 bacteria/g within 12 hours.
- Facultative anaerobes (e.g., coliforms) initially dominated, replaced by obligate anaerobes (>90%) within 48 hours.
- Bacteroides spp. abundance increased significantly post-weaning and continued to rise through day 120, indicating a gradual establishment process.
Conclusions:
- The establishment of the adult colonic microflora is a gradual and sequential process.
- Early postnatal development involves significant shifts in bacterial populations, favoring obligate anaerobes.
- Further research should focus on anaerobic bacterial groups to fully understand gut microbiome development.