TH21EIP
The Angler Saddleback pig is a traditional breed from northern Germany that is now endangered, with only a few animals left. Unlike modern commercial pigs, this breed grows more slowly but is valued for its robustness  and the high quality of its meat. Because gut bacteria play an important role in digestion, health, and fat storage, we set out to study the intestinal bacteria of this rare breed for the first time. We collected samples from 37 Angler Saddleback pigs and analyzed the bacteria living in their intestines. We found that the pigs had a rich and diverse community of bacteria, with some groups that help break down plant fibers and support a healthy gut being especially common. We also discovered that the way young pigs are raised on different farms had a lasting impact on their gut bacteria. Our results show that diet and early environment are important for shaping the gut microbes of these pigs. This knowledge can help in designing feeding and breeding strategies that make better use of the unique strengths of the Angler Saddleback pig, while also supporting efforts to conserve this traditional and endangered breed.