Gut health is measured by how well it can assimilate nutrients and act as a barrier for pathogens. The microbiome is very diverse, containing several hundred species and around two million genes. Pigs are born sterile, with their microbiome forming over time. Diet and the environment both influence the microbiome. Pathogens can be recognized by the host and the host can respond through a number of ways. There is a balance wanted between a more protective response of the microbiome and feed efficiency since a more protective microbiome often costs more nutrients. Probiotics and prebiotics are becoming more popular to help enhance the microbiome too. A new project is being completed on the pig’s microbiome to determine if core members vary throughout different regions in Canada and in health score, growth rate or feed efficiency. Piglet and weaned pigs will also have their microbiome investigated to see if it is predictive of future health and performance.
Where Does the Gut Go From Here (full article)
