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Potter SJ, Erdody ML, Bamford NJ, Knowles EJ, Menzies-Gow N, Morrison PK, Argo CM, McIntosh BJ, Kaufman K, Harris PA, Bailey SR. Development of a body condition index to estimate adiposity in ponies and horses from morphometric measurements. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:299-308. [PMID: 37537987 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a high prevalence of obesity in ponies and pleasure horses. This may be associated with equine metabolic syndrome and an increased risk of laminitis. Body condition scoring (BCS) systems are widely used but are subjective and not very sensitive. OBJECTIVES To derive a body condition index (BCI), based on objective morphometric measurements, that correlates with % body fat. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS Morphometric measurements were obtained from 21 ponies and horses in obese and moderate body condition. Percentage body fat was determined using the deuterium dilution method and the BCI was derived to give the optimal correlation with body fat, applying appropriate weightings. The index was then validated by assessing inter-observer variation and correlation with % body fat in a separate population of Welsh ponies; and finally, the correlation between BCI and BCS was evaluated in larger populations from studies undertaken in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. RESULTS The BCI correlated well with adiposity in the ponies and horses, giving a Pearson r value of 0.74 (P < 0.001); however, it was found to slightly overestimate the % body fat in leaner animals and underestimate in more obese animals. In field studies, the correlation between BCI and BCS varied particularly in Shetlands and miniature ponies, presumably due to differences in body shape. MAIN LIMITATIONS Further work may be required to adapt the BCI to a method that is more applicable for Shetlands and miniature ponies. CONCLUSIONS This BCI was able to provide an index of adiposity which compared favourably with condition scoring in terms of accuracy of estimating adiposity; and was more consistent and repeatable when used by inexperienced assessors. Therefore, this may be a useful tool for assessing adiposity; and may be more sensitive than condition scoring for tracking weight gain or weight loss in individual animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Potter
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Madison L Erdody
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Bamford
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Katelyn Kaufman
- Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Patricia A Harris
- Equine Studies Group, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Simon R Bailey
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Bull K, Davies G, Jenkins TP, Peachey L. The faecal microbiome of Exmoor ponies shows step-wise compositional changes with increasing levels of management by humans. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:159-170. [PMID: 37264698 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Horses can suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) disease in domestic environments, often precipitated by human-led changes in management. Understanding the consequences of these changes on equine gut microbiota is key to the prevention of such disease episodes. OBJECTIVE Profile the faecal microbiota of adult female Exmoor ponies under three management conditions, representing increasing levels of management by humans, encompassing different diets; whilst controlling for age, breed and sex. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional descriptive. METHODS Faecal samples were collected from three populations of Exmoor ponies kept under contrasting management conditions: 29 adult female ponies in groups with low management (LM) (n = 10), medium management (MM) (n = 10) and high management (HM) (n = 9) levels, based on diet, drug use, handling and exercise. Faecal microbial composition was profiled via high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene, and functional metagenome predictions. RESULTS We observed profound step-wise changes in microbiome structure in the transition from LM to MM to HM. A relatively high abundance of Proteobacteria and Tenericutes was associated with the HM group; higher abundance of Methanobacteria was observed in the LM group. The MM group had intermediate levels of these taxa and exhibited high 'within group' variation in alpha diversity. Functional predictions revealed increased amino acid and lipid metabolism in HM; energy metabolism in LM and carbohydrate metabolism and immune/metabolic disease pathways in MM. MAIN LIMITATIONS Low group sizes, incomplete knowledge of bacterial genomes in equine gut microbiota and it was not possible to assess the relative impact of diet, drug use, handling and exercise on the microbiome as variables were confounded. CONCLUSIONS Human-led management factors had profound step-wise effects on faecal microbial composition. Based on functional metagenome predictions, we hypothesise that dietary differences between groups were the major driver of observed differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Bull
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Gareth Davies
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Laura Peachey
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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3
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Ward AB, Harris PA, Argo CM, Watson C, Neacsu M, Russell WR, Ribeiro A, Collie-Duguid E, Heidari Z, Morrison PK. Homemade Nucleic Acid Preservation Buffer Proves Effective in Preserving the Equine Faecal Microbiota over Time at Ambient Temperatures. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3107. [PMID: 37835713 PMCID: PMC10572018 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The equine faecal microbiota is often assessed as a proxy of the microbial community in the distal colon, where the microbiome has been linked to states of health and disease in the horse. However, the microbial community structure may change over time if samples are not adequately preserved. This study stored equine faecal samples from n = 10 horses in four preservation treatments at room temperature for up to 150 h and assessed the resulting impact on microbial diversity and the differential abundance of taxa. Treatments included "COLD" (samples packaged with a cool pack), "CLX" (2% chlorhexidine digluconate solution), "NAP" (nucleic acid preservation buffer), and "FTA" (Whatman FTA™ cards). The samples were assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing after storage for 0, 24, 72, and 150 h at room temperature under the different treatments. The results showed effective preservation of diversity and community structure with NAP buffer but lower diversity (p = 0.001) and the under-representation of Fibrobacterota in the FTA card samples. The NAP treatment inhibited the overgrowth of bloom taxa that occurred by 72 h at room temperature. The COLD, CLX, and NAP treatments were effective in preserving the faecal microbiota for up to 24 h at room temperature, and the CLX and NAP treatments improved the yield of Patescibacteria and Fibrobacterota in some cases. The cold and CLX treatments were ineffective in preventing community shifts that occurred by 72 h at room temperature. These findings demonstrate the suitability of the COLD, NAP, and CLX treatments for the room temperature storage of equine faeces for up to 24 h and of NAP buffer for up to 150 h prior to processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley B. Ward
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Scotland’s Rural College, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, UK
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- School of Medicine Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Patricia A. Harris
- Equine Studies Group, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Leicestershire LE14 4RT, UK
| | - Caroline McG. Argo
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Scotland’s Rural College, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, UK
| | - Christine Watson
- Department of Rural Land Use, Scotland’s Rural College, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, UK
| | - Madalina Neacsu
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Wendy R. Russell
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Antonio Ribeiro
- School of Medicine Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, King’s College, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK
| | - Elaina Collie-Duguid
- School of Medicine Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, King’s College, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK
| | - Zeynab Heidari
- School of Medicine Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, King’s College, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK
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4
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Zhao Y, Ren X, Wu H, Hu H, Cheng C, Du M, Huang Y, Zhao X, Wang L, Yi L, Tao J, Li Y, Lin Y, Su S, Dugarjaviin M. Diversity and functional prediction of fungal communities in different segments of mongolian horse gastrointestinal tracts. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:253. [PMID: 37689675 PMCID: PMC10492400 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03001-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaerobic fungi are effective fibre-degrading microorganisms in the digestive tract of horses. However, our understanding of their diversity and community structure is limited, especially in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. RESULTS For the first time, high-throughput sequencing technology was used to analyse and predict fungal microbial diversity in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract of Mongolian horses. The results revealed that the richness and diversity of fungi in the hindgut of Mongolian horses were much higher than those in the foregut. The foregut was dominated by Basidiomycota and Ascomycota, whereas the hindgut was dominated by Neocallimastigomycota and Basidiomycota. At the genus level, the relative abundance of many pathogenic fungi (Cryptococcus, Cladosporium, Alternaria, and Sarocladium) in the foregut was significantly higher than that in the posterior gut, indicating that Mongolian horses have strong disease resistance. The prediction of fungal function also showed significant differences in the fungal flora between the foregut and the hindgut. The fungi in Mongolian horses' foreguts were mainly pathologically nutritive and contained many animal and plant pathogens, particularly in the small intestine (jejunum and ileum). This indicates that the foregut may be the most important immune site in the digestive system of Mongolian horses, which explains the high disease resistance of Mongolian horses. The number of unassigned functional groups in the posterior gut was significantly higher than that in the anterior gut, indicating that the functions of fungal groups in the posterior gut have not been fully explored, and further studies are required in the future. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of high-throughput sequencing results revealed that the fungal composition varied greatly among different gastrointestinal tract segments in Mongolian horses, whose hindgut contains many anaerobic fungi involved in plant cellulose degradation. This provides important basic data for studying fungal diversity in the digestive system of healthy horses, which can be used for the health assessment of horses and provides clues for further research on the disease resistance and digestive capacity of horses, as well as a reference for the early diagnosis of intestinal diseases and innovative treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Xiujuan Ren
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Haiqing Wu
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Biotechnology Research Centre, Hohhot, 010031, China
| | - He Hu
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Biotechnology Research Centre, Hohhot, 010031, China
| | - Chao Cheng
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jining Normal University, Ulanqab, 012000, China
| | - Ming Du
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Yao Huang
- Education Department, Baotou Light Industry Vocational Technical College, Baotou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhao
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Biotechnology Research Centre, Hohhot, 010031, China
| | - Liwei Wang
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Biotechnology Research Centre, Hohhot, 010031, China
| | - Liuxi Yi
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Jinshan Tao
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Yajing Li
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Yanan Lin
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Shaofeng Su
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China.
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Biotechnology Research Centre, Hohhot, 010031, China.
| | - Manglai Dugarjaviin
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Equine Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Equine Research Centre, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China.
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5
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Ganda E, Chakrabarti A, Sardi MI, Tench M, Kozlowicz BK, Norton SA, Warren LK, Khafipour E. Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product improves robustness of equine gut microbiome upon stress. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1134092. [PMID: 36908513 PMCID: PMC9998945 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1134092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Nutritional and environmental stressors can disturb the gut microbiome of horses which may ultimately decrease their health and performance. We hypothesized that supplementation with a yeast-derived postbiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product-SCFP) would benefit horses undergoing an established model of stress due to prolonged transportation. Methods Quarter horses (n = 20) were blocked based on sex, age (22 ± 3 mo) and body weight (439 ± 3 kg) and randomized to receive either a basal diet of 60% hay and 40% concentrate (CON) or the basal diet supplemented with 21 g/d Diamond V TruEquine C (SCFP; Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA) for 60 days. On day 57, horses were tethered with their heads elevated 35cm above wither height for 12 h to induce mild upper respiratory tract inflammation. Fecal samples were collected at days 0, 28, and 56 before induction of stress, and at 0, 12, 24, and 72 h post-stress and subjected to DNA extraction and Nanopore shotgun metagenomics. Within sample (alpha) diversity was evaluated by fitting a linear model and between sample (beta) diversity was tested with permutational ANOVA. Results The SCFP stabilized alpha diversity across all time points, whereas CON horses had more fluctuation (P < 0.05) at 12, 24, and 72 h post-challenge compared to d 56. A significant difference between CON and SCFP was observed at 0 and 12 h. There was no difference in beta-diversity between SCFP and CON on d 56. Discussion Taken together, these observations led us to conclude that treatment with SCFP resulted in more robust and stable microbial profiles in horses after stress challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Ganda
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.,Microbiome Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | | | - Maria I Sardi
- Cargill Biotechnology R&D, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Melissa Tench
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | | | | | - Lori K Warren
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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6
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Chaucheyras-Durand F, Sacy A, Karges K, Apper E. Gastro-Intestinal Microbiota in Equines and Its Role in Health and Disease: The Black Box Opens. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122517. [PMID: 36557769 PMCID: PMC9783266 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Horses are large non-ruminant herbivores and rely on microbial fermentation for energy, with more than half of their maintenance energy requirement coming from microbial fermentation occurring in their enlarged caecum and colon. To achieve that, the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) of horses harbors a broad range of various microorganisms, differing in each GIT segment, which are essential for efficient utilization of feed, especially to use nutrients that are not or little degraded by endogenous enzymes. In addition, like in other animal species, the GIT microbiota is in permanent interplay with the host's cells and is involved in a lot of functions among which inflammation, immune homeostasis, and energy metabolism. As for other animals and humans, the horse gut microbiome is sensitive to diet, especially consumption of starch, fiber, and fat. Age, breeds, stress during competitions, transportation, and exercise may also impact the microbiome. Because of its size and its complexity, the equine GIT microbiota is prone to perturbations caused by external or internal stressors that may result in digestive diseases like gastric ulcer, diarrhea, colic, or colitis, and that are thought to be linked with systemic diseases like laminitis, equine metabolic syndrome or obesity. Thus, in this review we aim at understanding the common core microbiome -in terms of structure and function- in each segment of the GIT, as well as identifying potential microbial biomarkers of health or disease which are crucial to anticipate putative perturbations, optimize global practices and develop adapted nutritional strategies and personalized nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédérique Chaucheyras-Durand
- Lallemand SAS, 31702 Blagnac, France
- UMR MEDIS, INRAE, Université Clermont-Auvergne, 63122 Saint-Genès Champanelle, France
| | | | - Kip Karges
- Lallemand Specialities Inc., Milwaukee, WI 53218, USA
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7
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Rice bran in old horse’s nutrition and their influence on condition, blood biochemical parameters, total feces bacteria and methanogen population. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2022-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
This study aimed to verify whether the inclusion of 0.5 kg full-fat rice bran per day in the diet of geriatric horses will improve their condition, increase the population of methanogens in the cecum, and thus affect the biochemical blood parameters. The experiment assumed 2 research periods: 6 healthy, non-working horses over 20 years of age (480 ± 20 kg of body weight) were fed only hay (±8.86 kg/day/head) in the first period and hay (±8.00 kg/day/head) and rice bran (0.5 kg/day/head) in the second one. Each of these periods lasted 4 months. The Body Condition Scoring (BCS) assessment was performed at the beginning and end of the experiment. Blood and feces samples were collected on the first and last day of each period. After feeding with the addition of rice bran, BCS increased by 1.17 units on a 9-point scale. The experiment showed an increase in the total number of bacteria and methanogens inhabiting the cecum of horses. This can lead to better digestion of carbohydrates, absorption of nutrients, and, consequently, increased body weight. No differences occurred in the hematology and serum biochemistry indices of horses fed a diet including rice bran, except for the amount of serum globulin and the albumin to globulin ratio. Rice bran affected essential serum fatty acid profile (increased PUFA and decreased MUFA) which confirmed the possibility to use diet as a serum fatty acids profile modulator.
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Hernández-Quiroz F, Murugesan S, Flores-Rivas C, Piña-Escobedo A, Juárez-Hernández JI, García-Espitia M, Chávez-Carbajal A, Nirmalkar K, García-Mena J. A high-throughput DNA sequencing study of fecal bacteria of seven Mexican horse breeds. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:382. [PMID: 35687150 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-03009-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Horses are non-ruminant, herbivorous mammals, been used through history for various purposes, with a gut microbiota from cecum to the colon, possessing remarkable fermentative capacity. We studied the fecal microbiota of Azteca, Criollo, Frisian, Iberian, Pinto, Quarter and Spanish horse breeds living in Mexico by next-generation DNA sequencing of 16S rRNA gene libraries. Dominant phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Spirochaetes, Fibrobacteres, Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia have different relative abundances among breeds, with contrasted alpha and beta diversities as well. Heatmap analysis revealed that Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Mogibacteriaceae families, and order Clostridiales are more abundant in Spanish, Azteca, Quarter and Criollo breeds. The LEfSe analysis displayed higher abundance of order Bacteroidales, family BS11, and genera Faecalibacterium, Comamonas, Collinsella, Acetobacter, and Treponema in Criollo, Azteca, Iberian, Spanish, Frisian, Pinto, and Quarter horse breeds. The conclusion is that dominant bacterial taxa, found in fecal samples of horse breeds living in Mexico, have different relative abundances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Hernández-Quiroz
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av IPN 2508 Col Zacatenco, CDMX, 07360, Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Computer Science Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Selvasankar Murugesan
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av IPN 2508 Col Zacatenco, CDMX, 07360, Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Division of Translational Medicine, Research Department, Sidra Medicine, 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Cintia Flores-Rivas
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av IPN 2508 Col Zacatenco, CDMX, 07360, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Alberto Piña-Escobedo
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av IPN 2508 Col Zacatenco, CDMX, 07360, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Josué Isaac Juárez-Hernández
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av IPN 2508 Col Zacatenco, CDMX, 07360, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Matilde García-Espitia
- Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guillermo Massieu Helguera 239, CDMX, 07320, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Chávez-Carbajal
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av IPN 2508 Col Zacatenco, CDMX, 07360, Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Khemlal Nirmalkar
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av IPN 2508 Col Zacatenco, CDMX, 07360, Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Biodesign Center for Health through Microbiomes, Arizona State 16 University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Jaime García-Mena
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av IPN 2508 Col Zacatenco, CDMX, 07360, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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9
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Li N, Li X, Su R, Wu R, Niu HQ, Luo J, Gao C, Li X, Wang C. Low-Dose Interleukin-2 Altered Gut Microbiota and Ameliorated Collagen-Induced Arthritis. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:1365-1379. [PMID: 35241924 PMCID: PMC8887675 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s344393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Low-dose interleukin-2 (ld-IL-2) has been shown to regulate the balance between effector T and regulatory T (Treg) cells and has been used in several clinical trials to treat autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, we investigated the effects of ld-IL-2 on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. Methods Arthritis severity in CIA mice was measured using the arthritis index (AI), radiographs, and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Cytokines were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gut microbiota alterations and short-chain fatty acid production were analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing and gas chromatography. Results The AI scores of CIA mice treated with ld-IL-2 were significantly lower compared to the model group, which significantly reduced the severity of arthritis. Ld-IL-2 also altered the gut microbiota in CIA mice. The diversity, composition, and dominant species of gut microbiota were altered by ld-IL-2 treatment. Ld-IL-2 also increased short-chain fatty acid levels. There was a strong correlation between ld-IL-2 treatment and improved gut microbiota. Conclusion Ld-IL-2 significantly ameliorated joint inflammation and bone damage and improved gut microbial dysbiosis in CIA, indicating that it may be a promising therapy for RA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuefei Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Su
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruihe Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong-Qing Niu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chong Gao
- Pathology, Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Caihong Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Caihong Wang, Tel +8613603515399, Fax +863513365551, Email
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10
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Li JP, Wu QF, Ma SC, Wang JM, Wei B, Xi Y, Han CC, Li L, He H, Liu HH. Effect of feed restriction on the intestinal microbial community structure of growing ducks. Arch Microbiol 2021; 204:85. [PMID: 34958398 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02636-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In poultry, feed restriction is common feeding management to limit poultry nutrients intake so that poultry only intake the essential energy, meeting the basic need of growth and development. Our study investigated whether feeding restriction affects the diversity of the intestinal microbiota of growing breeding ducks. In this research, the 60-120-day-old ducks were raised in restricted and free-feeding groups. After slaughtering, the carcass traits and the cecal contents were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. After feeding restriction, the growth rate of ducks was limited, the weight and rate of abdominal fat decreased, and the rate of chest and leg muscles increased. In addition, feeding restriction can also change the diversity of intestinal microorganisms in breeding ducks, such as the increase of Firmicutes abundance and the decrease of Bacteroidetes abundance. After analyzing of correlation, significant correlations between gut microbiota and carcass phenotypes were found. The results indicated that gut microbiota might be involved in the life activities associated with phenotypic changes. This study proved the effect of feeding methods on the intestinal microbiota of ducks, providing a theoretical basis of the microbial angle for raising ducks in a feeding-restricted period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Peng Li
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 613000, China
| | - Qi-Fan Wu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 613000, China
| | - Sheng-Chao Ma
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 613000, China
| | - Jian-Mei Wang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 613000, China
| | - Bin Wei
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 613000, China
| | - Yang Xi
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 613000, China
| | - Chun-Chun Han
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 613000, China
| | - Liang Li
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 613000, China
| | - Hua He
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 613000, China
| | - He-He Liu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 613000, China.
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11
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Johnson ACB, Biddle AS. A Standard Scale to Measure Equine Keeper Status and the Effect of Metabolic Tendency on Gut Microbiome Structure. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071975. [PMID: 34359102 PMCID: PMC8300108 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Horses with different metabolic tendencies are anecdotally referred to as “easy” or “hard” keepers. Easy keepers tend to gain weight easily while hard keepers require extra feed to maintain condition. Both easy and hard keeper horses carry a managerial and financial burden which can be a dissuading factor for horse shoppers. This research uses energy intake/need and body condition to develop a standard Equine Keeper Status Scale (EKSS) for assigning keeper status. The microbiome compositions based on EKSS assignments are then compared to explore microbiome differences based on metabolic tendencies of each group. The EKSS can be used by owners to accurately assess their horses’ metabolic tendencies and make improved feeding decisions to meet their horses’ needs. Understanding microbiome differences between easy, medium and hard keeper horses points to potential microbial roles in these metabolic tendencies. Abstract Thriftiness in horses has been associated with more efficient nutrient harvesting in digestion, absorption and/or utilization, but the relative contribution of the gut microbiome to host metabolic tendency is not well understood. Recognizing the unreliability of owner reported assignment of keeper status, this research describes a novel tool for calculating whether a horse is an easy (EK) or hard (HK) keeper and then characterizes microbiome differences in these groups. The Equine Keeper Status Scale (EKSS) was developed and validated based on data gathered from 240 horses. Estimates of dietary energy intakes and requirements to achieve the optimal BCS score of 5 were used in EKSS assignments. Sixty percent of owners’ characterizations disagreed with EKSS identified keeper assignments. Equine fecal 16S rRNA profiles (n = 73) revealed differences in α and β diversities and taxa abundances based on EKSS assignments. EK communities had more Planctomycetes and fewer Euryarcheaota, Spirochaetes and Proteobacteria than HK indicating functional differences in nutrient harvesting between groups. Differences in the gut microbiomes of horses based on keeper assignment point to host/microbial interactions that may underlie some differences in metabolic tendency. The EKSS enables robust, repeatable determination of keeper status which can be used by researchers and horse owners.
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12
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Walshe N, Cabrera-Rubio R, Collins R, Puggioni A, Gath V, Crispie F, Cotter PD, Brennan L, Mulcahy G, Duggan V. A Multiomic Approach to Investigate the Effects of a Weight Loss Program on the Intestinal Health of Overweight Horses. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:668120. [PMID: 34222398 PMCID: PMC8249564 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.668120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is endemic in human populations in the western society, and with mounting evidence that the intestinal ecological environment plays a major role in its pathogenesis, identification of therapies based on intestinal microbiota modulation are gaining attention. Obesity in companion animals is also a common clinical problem. We set out using a multidimensional approach, to determine the effectiveness and safety of a weight loss program for horses incorporating diet restriction and exercise. In addition, we aimed to investigate the effect of this program on the overall intestinal health of overweight sedentary horses. The investigation comprised of a randomized, controlled, 6-week study of 14 overweight sedentary horses and ponies who were blocked for age, gender, and breed (controls n = 7, treatment n = 7). The treatment group were fed a restricted diet (1.4% of body weight dry matter intake) and the control group a maintenance diet (2% of body weight as dry matter intake) over the study period. The treatment group were subjected to a prescribed exercise regime, while the control group were exercised to mimic foraging conditions. Several clinical measurements were taken at the start and end of the study, including morphological parameters, ultrasound measurements of subcutaneous fat, and blood pressure. Fecal microbiota analysis was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, and fecal metabolome was analyzed using NMR spectroscopy, on samples taken at weeks 1, 3, and 6 of the study. All horses completed the study period successfully. However, two of the treatment group had to have modified exercise regimes. The treatment group showed significant weight loss (p < 0.00001) and an associated decrease in waste circumference (p < 0.0001) when compared with the control group. The alpha-diversity of the fecal microbiota in the treatment group showed a significant increase from the start to the end of the study period (p < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference between groups at any sampling point. There were significant changes (p < 0.05) in the metabolome in both groups between the start and end of the study, but not between groups at any sampling point. Finally, the resting blood pressure of all horses was significantly lower by the end of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Walshe
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Raul Cabrera-Rubio
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - Roisin Collins
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Antonella Puggioni
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Vivian Gath
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona Crispie
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul D. Cotter
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
- VistaMilk, Cork, Ireland
| | - Lorraine Brennan
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, Conway Institute, UCD Institute of Food and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Grace Mulcahy
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Vivienne Duggan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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13
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Abstract
Equine obesity is common, reducing quality of life and requiring dietary energy restriction. Equine obesity is identified using subjective body condition scoring. Considerations are given for life stage and health status when managing obese equines. Every effort should be made to maximize feeding duration, and minimize time spent without feed while meeting all essential nutrient requirements. Limiting total daily dry matter intake to 2% of current bodyweight per day of a low caloric, forage-based diet may result in adequate body weight loss. Weight loss and weight management plans should be monitored for success and potential gastrointestinal, metabolic, and/or behavioral complications.
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14
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Hu D, Chao Y, Zhang B, Wang C, Qi Y, Ente M, Zhang D, Li K, Mok KM. Effects of Gasterophilus pecorum infestation on the intestinal microbiota of the rewilded Przewalski's horses in China. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251512. [PMID: 33974667 PMCID: PMC8112688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Horse botflies have been a threat to the Przewalski’s horses in the Kalamaili Nature Reserve in Xinjiang of China since their reintroduction to the original range. As larvae of these parasites could infest the intestine of a horse for months, they could interact with and alter the structure and composition of its intestinal microbiota, affecting adversely its health. Nonetheless, there are no such studies on the rewilded Przewalski’s horses yet. For the first time, this study characterizes the composition of the intestinal microbiota of 7 rewilded Przewalski’s horses infected severely by Gasterophilus pecorum following and prior to their anthelmintic treatment. Bioinformatics analyses of the sequence data obtained by amplicon high throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes showed that G. pecorum infestation significantly increased the richness of the intestinal microbial community but not its diversity. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were found the dominant phyla as in other animals, and the parasitic infestation decreased the F/B ratio largely by over 50%. Large reduction in relative abundances of the two genera Streptococcus and Lactobacillus observed with G. pecorum infestation suggested possible changes in colic and digestion related conditions of the infected horses. Variations on the relative abundance of the genus groups known to be pathogenic or symbiotic showed that adverse impact of the G. pecorum infestation could be associated with reduction of the symbiotic genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that are probiotics and able to promote immunity against parasitic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dini Hu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuzhu Chao
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Boru Zhang
- Qinhuangdao Forestry Bureau, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Altay Management Station of Mt. Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, Altay, China
| | - Yingjie Qi
- Altay Management Station of Mt. Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, Altay, China
| | - Make Ente
- Xinjiang Research Centre for Breeding Przewalski’s Horse, Urumqi, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (KL); (KMM)
| | - Kai Meng Mok
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Macau, Macao, China
- * E-mail: (KL); (KMM)
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15
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Boshuizen B, Moreno de Vega CV, De Maré L, de Meeûs C, de Oliveira JE, Hosotani G, Gansemans Y, Deforce D, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Delesalle C. Effects of Aleurone Supplementation on Glucose-Insulin Metabolism and Gut Microbiome in Untrained Healthy Horses. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:642809. [PMID: 33912605 PMCID: PMC8072273 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.642809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aleurone, a layer of the bran fraction, is deemed to be responsible for the positive health effects associated with the consumption of whole-grain products. Studies on rodents, pigs, and humans report beneficial effects of aleurone in five main areas: the reduction of oxidative stress, immunomodulatory effects, modulation of energy management, digestive health, and the storage of vitamins and minerals. Our study is the first aleurone supplementation study performed in horses. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an increase in the dose levels of aleurone on the postprandial glucose-insulin metabolism and the gut microbiome in untrained healthy horses. Seven adult Standardbred horses were supplemented with four different dose levels of aleurone (50, 100, 200, and 400 g/day for 1 week) by using a Latin square model with a 1-week wash out in between doses. On day 7 of each supplementation week, postprandial blood glucose-insulin was measured and fecal samples were collected. 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing was performed and QIIME2 software was used for microbiome analysis. Microbial community function was assessed by using the predictive metagenome analysis tool Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) and using the Metacyc database of metabolic pathways. The relative abundancies of a pathway were analyzed by using analysis of composition of microbiomes (ANCOM) in R. There was a significant dose-dependent increase in the postprandial time to peak of glucose (p = 0.030), a significant delay in the time to peak of insulin (p = 0.025), and a significant decrease in both the insulin peak level (p = 0.049) and insulin area under the curve (AUC) (p = 0.019) with increasing dose levels of aleurone, with a consideration of 200 g being the lowest significant dose. Alpha diversity and beta diversity of the fecal microbiome showed no significant changes. Aleurone significantly decreased the relative abundance of the genera Roseburia, Shuttleworthia, Anaerostipes, Faecalibacter, and Succinovibrionaceae. The most pronounced changes in the relative abundance at phyla level were seen in Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobia (downregulation) and Bacteroidetes and Spirochaetes (upregulation). The PICRUSt analysis shows that aleurone induces a downregulation of the degradation of L-glutamate and taurine and an upregulation of the three consecutive pathways of the phospholipid membrane synthesis of the Archaea domain. The results of this study suggest a multimodal effect of aleurone on glucose-insulin metabolism, which is most likely to be caused by its effect on feed texture and subsequent digestive processing; and a synergistic effect of individual aleurone components on the glucose-insulin metabolism and microbiome composition and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Boshuizen
- Research Group of Comparative Physiology, Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Wolvega Equine Hospital, Oldeholtpade, Netherlands
| | - Carmen Vidal Moreno de Vega
- Research Group of Comparative Physiology, Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Lorie De Maré
- Research Group of Comparative Physiology, Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department of Small Animals and Horses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Constance de Meeûs
- Research Group of Comparative Physiology, Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | | | - Yannick Gansemans
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Catherine Delesalle
- Research Group of Comparative Physiology, Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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16
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Wright S. Highlights of recent clinically relevant papers. EQUINE VET EDUC 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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17
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McKinney CA, Bedenice D, Pacheco AP, Oliveira BCM, Paradis MR, Mazan M, Widmer G. Assessment of clinical and microbiota responses to fecal microbial transplantation in adult horses with diarrhea. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244381. [PMID: 33444319 PMCID: PMC7808643 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) is empirically implemented in horses with colitis to facilitate resolution of diarrhea. The purpose of this study was to assess FMT as a clinical treatment and modulator of fecal microbiota in hospitalized horses with colitis. METHODS A total of 22 horses with moderate to severe diarrhea, consistent with a diagnosis of colitis, were enrolled at two referral hospitals (L1: n = 12; L2: n = 10). FMT was performed in all 12 patients on 3 consecutive days at L1, while treatment at L2 consisted of standard care without FMT. Manure was collected once daily for 4 days from the rectum in all colitis horses, prior to FMT for horses at L1, and from each manure sample used for FMT. Fecal samples from 10 clinically healthy control horses housed at L2, and 30 healthy horses located at 5 barns in regional proximity to L1 were also obtained to characterize the regional healthy equine microbiome. All fecal microbiota were analyzed using 16S amplicon sequencing. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS As expected, healthy horses at both locations showed a greater α-diversity and lower β-diversity compared to horses with colitis. The fecal microbiome of healthy horses clustered by location, with L1 horses showing a higher prevalence of Kiritimatiellaeota. Improved manure consistency (lower diarrhea score) was associated with a greater α-diversity in horses with colitis at both locations (L1: r = -0.385, P = 0.006; L2: r = -0.479, P = 0.002). Fecal transplant recipients demonstrated a greater overall reduction in diarrhea score (median: 4±3 grades), compared to untreated horses (median: 1.5±3 grades, P = 0.021), with a higher incidence in day-over-day improvement in diarrhea (22/36 (61%) vs. 10/28 (36%) instances, P = 0.011). When comparing microbiota of diseased horses at study conclusion to that of healthy controls, FMT-treated horses showed a lower mean UniFrac distance (0.53±0.27) than untreated horses (0.62±0.26, P<0.001), indicating greater normalization of the microbiome in FMT-treated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A. McKinney
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Daniela Bedenice
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ana P. Pacheco
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Bruno C. M. Oliveira
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araçatuba, Brazil
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mary-Rose Paradis
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Melissa Mazan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Giovanni Widmer
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America
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18
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Tang S, Xin Y, Ma Y, Xu X, Zhao S, Cao J. Screening of Microbes Associated With Swine Growth and Fat Deposition Traits Across the Intestinal Tract. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:586776. [PMID: 33178171 PMCID: PMC7596661 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.586776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigs, as one of the most common livestock species worldwide, are expected to have a fast growth rate and lower subcutaneous fatness but higher intramuscular fat ("marbling meat"). Nowadays, it is believed that not only host genetics but also its gut microbiomes can modulate farm animal phenotypes, however, many of the mechanisms remain elusive. We measured the body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), backfat thickness (BFT), and intramuscular fatness (IMF) of 91 Enshi pigs at 260 days of age, then genotyped each one individually using a 50K single nucleotide polymorphism array and performed 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing on 455 microbial samples from the jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon, and rectum. The microbial diversity showed notable spatial variation across the entire intestinal tract, with the cecum and colon having the highest α-diversity. The cecal and colonic microbiotas made greater contributions to BW and ADG and accounted for 22-37% of the phenotypic variance. The jejunal and cecal microbiotas contributed more (13-31%) to the BFT and IMF than the other segments. Finally, from cecum, colon, and jejunum, we identified eight microbial taxa that were significantly correlated with the target traits. The genera Alloprevotella and Ruminococcaceae UCG-005 were highly positively correlated with BW and ADG. The genera Prevotellaceae UCG-001 and Alistipes in the cecum and Clostridium sensu stricto 1 in the jejunum were highly positively correlated with BFT and IMF. The genera Stenotrophomonas, Sphaerochaeta, and Desulfovibrio were negatively associated with the mentioned traits. These findings could aid in developing strategies for manipulating the gut microbiota to alter production performance in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Tang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production – Swine Breeding and Reproduction Innovation Platform, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Xin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production – Swine Breeding and Reproduction Innovation Platform, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunlong Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production – Swine Breeding and Reproduction Innovation Platform, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuewen Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production – Swine Breeding and Reproduction Innovation Platform, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuhong Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production – Swine Breeding and Reproduction Innovation Platform, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianhua Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production – Swine Breeding and Reproduction Innovation Platform, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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19
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Harris PA, Bamford NJ, Bailey SR. Equine metabolic syndrome: evolution of understanding over two decades: a personal perspective. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/an19386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There has been a marked increase in the incidence of equine obesity globally, especially in countries where there has been a shift away from the horse having an economically essential working role. This change in its core role, plus the increasing numbers of individual horse owners without access to traditional knowledge of animal and land management, have helped fuel this equine obesity ‘epidemic’. Other important potential contributory factors include increased availability of good grazing and/or forage, as well as supplementary feeds. Obesity now presents a major welfare issue for horses and ponies, not only because of the direct weight-associated effects, but also due to the increased risk it poses for certain clinical conditions, in particular laminitis. For many owners and veterinarians, obesity and the equine metabolic syndrome are synonymous, but this is not necessarily the case. Furthermore, as we understand more about this syndrome and the causes of endocrinopathic laminitis, the emphasis has shifted from tissue or peripheral insulin resistance to insulin dysregulation. The present paper outlines how our knowledge of equine metabolic syndrome arose and continues to develop, as well as the authors’ personal involvement in some of these advances.
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