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The microbiota of pigs is influenced by various external factors, though the exact time of initial colonization remains unclear. Sow microbiota likely plays a significant role in shaping the piglet's microbiota before and during birth, which is crucial for piglet survival and health. Nutritional strategies, including the inclusion of n-3 long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) in sow diets, have shown promise in improving piglet growth, immune development, and microbiota composition. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of n-3 LCFA, particularly fish oil rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on the microbiota of sows' feces, colostrum, milk, and piglets' feces, as well as microbial transference from sow to piglet.
Methods: Twenty-two sows were randomly assigned to either a control or n-3 LCFA diet from service to weaning. Sows' and piglets' performance was monitored. The microbiomes of sows' feces, colostrum, and milk were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Fecal samples from the two lowest and two highest birth weight piglets per litter were also analyzed, and LPS levels in plasma were measured at weaning.
Results: n-3 LCFAs increased microbiota diversity in the feces of suckling piglets and gestating sows but had no effect on colostrum, milk, or lactating sows' feces. The diet altered the microbiota composition in gestating sows' feces, milk, and piglets' feces but not in lactating sows' feces or colostrum. Notable changes included a decrease in the genus Succinivibrio and an increase in the phylum Proteobacteria in gestating sows' feces and milk. In suckling piglets' feces, beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia, Bacteroides, and various Lactobacillus species increased. Positive correlations were found between the microbiota of lactating sows' feces, milk, and piglets' feces. Dietary n-3 LCFAs positively impacted the microbiome of suckling piglets' feces by increasing microbial diversity and beneficial bacteria. Minor changes were observed in the microbiomes of milk and gestating sows' feces, with no changes in lactating sows' feces or colostrum.
Conclusion: This study highlights the effect of n-3 LCFAs on the microbiota of sows and piglets during lactation, providing important insights into early-life microbiota development and its impact post-weaning.
Llauradó-Calero E, Climent E, Chenoll E, Ballester M, Badiola I, Lizardo R, Torrallardona D, Esteve-Garcia E, Tous N. Influence of dietary n-3 long-chain fatty acids on microbial diversity and composition of sows' feces, colostrum, milk, and suckling piglets' feces. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2022; 13: 982712. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2022.982712