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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Sci / Comparison of the Gut Microbiota of Jeju and Thoroughbred Ho...
Veterinary sciences2021; 8(5); 81; doi: 10.3390/vetsci8050081

Comparison of the Gut Microbiota of Jeju and Thoroughbred Horses in Korea.

Abstract: (1) Background: The large intestine of horses is an anaerobic fermentative chamber filled with fibrolytic bacteria that play essential roles in digesting and absorbing nutrients for energy production. Although Jeju horses are a prominent local breed in Korea, few studies have investigated the gut microbiota of Jeju horses; (2) Methods: This study performed sequencing of V3 and V4 hypervariable regions of the partial 16S rRNA genes obtained from horse fecal samples and compared the gut microbiota between Jeju and Thoroughbred horses. Thirty and 24 fecal samples were obtained from Jeju and Thoroughbred horses, respectively; (3) Results: The gut microbiota belonged to 23 phyla and 159 families. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most abundant and predominant phyla, followed by Verrucomicrobia, Euryachaeota, and Spirochaete. The ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B), which is known as a relevant marker of gut dysbiosis, was 1.84 for Jeju horses, whereas it was 1.76 for Thoroughbred horses. Moreover, at the genus level, 21 genera were significantly different between the Jeju and Thoroughbred horses ( < 0.05); (4) Conclusions: The Thoroughbred horse's gut microbiotas had significantly higher diversity than the Jeju horses ( < 0.05). In addition, beneficial commensal bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids thus providing a significant source of energy are also more abundant in Thoroughbred horses. These results provide novel information on the horse gut microbiota and insights for further studies related to the horse gut microbiota.
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Publication Date: 2021-05-11 PubMed ID: 34064714PubMed Central: PMC8151153DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8050081Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article discusses a comparative study of the gut microbiota found in Jeju and Thoroughbred horses in Korea utilising partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The study observed that Thoroughbred horses displayed higher microbiota diversity and abundance of beneficial bacteria when compared to Jeju horses.

Background

  • The research provides a background about the role of fibrolytic bacteria in the large intestine of horses. These bacteria are crucial for breaking down fibres, aiding in digestion and absorption of nutrients, and supplying energy to the horse.
  • Despite the recognition of Jeju horses as a well-known local breed in Korea, there are limited studies that delve into the investigation of their gut microbiota.

Methodology

  • The researchers employed the sequencing of V3 and V4 hypervariable regions of the partial 16S rRNA genes extracted from horse fecal samples. This method assists in profiling the types and quantities of bacteria present.
  • They compared the gut microbiota of Jeju and Thoroughbred horses by collecting thirty fecal samples from Jeju horses and twenty-four from Thoroughbred horses.

Findings

  • The study found that the gut microbiota of these horses belonged to 23 phyla and 159 families. The most common phyla were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, followed by Verrucomicrobia, Euryachaeota, and Spirochaete.
  • The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, a significant marker in gut homeostasis, was found to be slightly higher in Jeju horses (1.84) in comparison to Thoroughbred horses (1.76).
  • At the genus level, the study identified 21 different genera between the Jeju and Thoroughbred horses, suggesting significant microbial diversity.

Conclusion

  • The researchers conclude that Thoroughbred horses had significantly higher gut microbiota diversity in comparison to Jeju horses.
  • There’s also a greater presence of beneficial commensal bacteria in Thoroughbred horses. These bacteria contribute to the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are a significant source of energy.
  • The findings provide new information on the gut microbiota present in horses, laying the groundwork for further studies related to the horse gut microbiota.

Cite This Article

APA
Park T, Yoon J, Kim A, Unno T, Yun Y. (2021). Comparison of the Gut Microbiota of Jeju and Thoroughbred Horses in Korea. Vet Sci, 8(5), 81. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8050081

Publication

Veterinary sciences
ISSN: 2306-7381
NlmUniqueID: 101680127
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 8
Issue: 5
PII: 81

Researcher Affiliations

Park, Taemook
  • Equine Clinic, Jeju Stud Farm, Korea Racing Authority, Jeju 63346, Korea.
  • College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea.
Yoon, Jungho
  • Equine Clinic, Jeju Stud Farm, Korea Racing Authority, Jeju 63346, Korea.
Kim, Ahram
  • Equine Clinic, Jeju Stud Farm, Korea Racing Authority, Jeju 63346, Korea.
Unno, Tatsuya
  • Subtropical/Tropical Organism Gene Bank, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea.
  • Faculty of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, SARI, Jeju 63243, Korea.
Yun, Youngmin
  • College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea.

Grant Funding

  • 2016R1A6A1A03012862 / National Research Foundation of Korea

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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