Microbial Markers of Resilience and its Correlation with Reproductive Performance in Lactating Sows under Heat Stress Condition
This study aimed to investigate the effects of heat stress on the gut microbiota and reproductive performance of lactating sows. Thirty-two multiparous sows were selected and subjected to heat stress during lactation. Body weight and backfat thickness were recorded on day 112 of gestation and days 1 and 21 of lactation. Litter performance metrics included the number of piglets born alive, piglet survivability, body weight at birth and weaning, and average daily gain (ADG). Firmicutes abundance was positively correlated with body weight at weaning, average daily feed intake (ADFI), litter weight at weaning, piglet weight at birth, piglet weight at weaning, and piglet ADG. In contrast, firmicutes abundance was negatively correlated with body weight loss, backfat thickness loss, and wean-to-estrus interval during lactation. Proteobacteria abundance exhibited positive correlations with body weight loss, backfat thickness loss, and wean-to-estrus interval. Proteobacteria abundance was negatively correlated with ADFI, litter weight at weaning, piglet weight at weaning, and piglet ADG. Lactobacillus abundance was positively correlated with body weight at weaning, ADFI, piglet survivability, litter weight at weaning, piglet weight at birth, piglet weight at weaning, and piglets ADG. Enterococcus abundance was positively correlated with litter weight at weaning and piglet ADG. Peptostreptococcus and Enterococcus abundance was negatively correlated with backfat thickness loss. Escherichia-Shigella abundance was negatively correlated with body weight at weaning. Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Prevotella, and Streptococcus abundance showed negative correlations with body weight at weaning. This study highlights the correlation between gut microbiota and reproductive performance during heat stress.