Microbiome dynamics in pig gut with respect to neonatal survivability
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Microbiome Dynamics in Pig Gut with Respect to Neonatal Survivability
Introduction to Piglet Gut Microbiome Development
The development of the gut microbiome in neonatal piglets is a critical factor influencing their overall health and survivability. The initial colonization and subsequent changes in the gut microbiota are influenced by various factors, including maternal microbiota, environmental exposure, diet, and probiotic supplementation. Understanding these dynamics can help in formulating strategies to enhance neonatal survivability and health.
Maternal Influence on Early Gut Microbiome
Vaginal Microbiota as Primary Source
At birth, the piglet gut microbiome is primarily seeded by the maternal vaginal microbiota. This initial colonization is crucial as it sets the foundation for subsequent microbial succession. Studies have shown that the maternal vaginal microbiota contributes significantly to the piglet gut microbiome within the first three days postpartum, with its influence gradually diminishing as other sources take over .
Transition to Environmental and Fecal Microbiota
As piglets age, the gut microbiome composition shifts from being dominated by maternal vaginal microbes to being influenced more by the sow's fecal microbiota and the surrounding environment, such as the slatted floor. By day 28, the sow's fecal microbiota and environmental microbes become the predominant sources, indicating a dynamic and adaptive microbial succession process .
Impact of Diet and Probiotics on Gut Microbiome
Synthetic Milk and Probiotic Supplementation
Nourishing neonatal piglets with synthetic milk supplemented with Lactobacillus sp. probiotics has been shown to significantly alter the gut microbial communities. Probiotic supplementation leads to increased body weight and daily gain, as well as changes in the relative abundance of key bacterial genera such as Lactobacillus and Bacteroidota, which are beneficial for gut health. This suggests that early dietary interventions can have lasting effects on the gut microbiome and overall health of piglets.
Early Feeding and Microbiome Maturation
Providing piglets with a fibrous diet in addition to mother's milk from an early age accelerates microbiome maturation. This early feeding strategy results in increased microbial diversity and a smoother transition during the weaning period, reducing post-weaning stress and improving weight gain and health outcomes.
Environmental and Antibiotic Influences
Environmental Microbial Sources
The surrounding environment, including the slatted floor and sow's milk, plays a significant role in the early colonization of the piglet gut microbiome. These environmental sources contribute to the microbial richness and diversity observed in piglets' feces, which increases from birth to weaning.
Antibiotic-Induced Dysbiosis
Administration of antibiotics to neonatal piglets can induce gut microbiota dysbiosis, leading to long-term effects on metabolism and pancreatic function. Antibiotic treatment alters the gut microbial composition and impacts the expression of key regulatory genes in pancreatic islets, which can result in reduced β-cell area and insulin content, indicative of islet stress.
Conclusion
The dynamics of the piglet gut microbiome are influenced by a combination of maternal, environmental, dietary, and antibiotic factors. Early colonization by maternal vaginal microbiota is gradually replaced by environmental and fecal microbiota, with diet and probiotics playing crucial roles in shaping the gut microbial communities. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing strategies to enhance neonatal survivability and health in piglets.
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