The gut microbiome has implications for both pig and human health. Microbes form communities in the gut, with different behaviours noted when in the community or isolated. A more diverse gut microbiome leads to a more robust ecosystem of microbes. Removing too many species results in a gut that no longer functions properly. The biome starts forming after birth and persists throughout life. It regulates the immune system, ensuring appropriate responses to disease threats and it extracts energy from starch and fibre while removing carcinogens and toxins from the diet. An impaired microbiome leads to an unhealthy animal that has many immune and digestive issues.
Microbiome Talk Offers Lots to Digest (full article)
