Sow Gut Microbiota Shifts Link to Performance

Researchers identified two distinct sow gut core microbiotas during gestation and lactation shared across six European countries. The study, published in the journal Animal Microbiome, examined microbial composition across six European countries to determine how the reproductive stage influences the gut ecosystem. The findings indicate that the time in the reproductive cycle is the most influential factor on microbial composition, outweighing variables such as country of origin, feed type, and parity.

The study aimed to characterize the composition of the core gut microbiota during these critical periods and identify key factors shaping these communities. The gut microbiota is considered a critical factor influencing the health and productivity of sows, with broader implications for sustainable swine production.

The analysis revealed two distinct sow gut core microbiotas, one associated with gestation and the other with lactation. These core microbiotas were shared across the six examined European countries, comprising approximately 50% of the relative abundance at both timepoints.

Despite the presence of shared core microbiotas, significant shifts in microbial composition occurred between late gestation and lactation. Of the 40 most abundant species identified, only 21 overlapped between the two timepoints. Streptococcus suis was more abundant during gestation, while multiple Clostridium and Terrisporobacter species dominated during lactation.

Country-specific differences in microbial composition were observed. Spanish farms showed high abundances of Escherichia coli and Streptococcus alactolyticus, while Danish farms exhibited unique species such as Romboutsia timonensis.

Importantly, the study found that gut microbiota composition was linked to sow performance. Low-performing sows displayed a failure to transition from the gestation-associated microbiota to a distinct lactation-associated microbiota. This lack of microbial maturation was evidenced by species such as Streptococcus suis remaining elevated into lactation, a pattern not seen in high-performing animals. Differential abundance analyses identified six species, including E. coli and S. suis, being associated with low performance. These findings highlight the importance of microbial maturation during the reproductive cycle.

The study underscores the importance of the reproductive stage in shaping the sow gut microbiota. The findings provide insights for improving sow health and productivity.

Subject of Research: Sow gut microbiota composition during gestation and lactation

Article Title: Identification of core microbiotas in European sows during gestation and lactation: links to performance

Article References: Weiss, M., Vestergaard, G., Hansen, L. H. B., Knudsen, T. T. M., Bohdidi, S. E., & Nielsen, D. S. (2026). Identification of core microbiotas in European sows during gestation and lactation: links to performance. Animal Microbiome. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42523-026-00613-1

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1186/s42523-026-00613-1

Keywords: swine microbiome, sow health, gut bacteria, reproductive physiology, animal performance, European farms, microbial diversity, lactation, gestation, Streptococcus suis, Identification, core