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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Anim Breed Genet / Inter-breed diversity and temporal dynamics of the faecal mi...
Journal of animal breeding and genetics = Zeitschrift fur Tierzuchtung und Zuchtungsbiologie2019; 137(1); 103-120; doi: 10.1111/jbg.12441

Inter-breed diversity and temporal dynamics of the faecal microbiota in healthy horses.

Abstract: Understanding gut microbiota similarities and differences across breeds in horses has the potential to advance approaches aimed at personalized microbial modifications, particularly those involved in improving sport athletic performance. Here, we explore whether faecal microbiota composition based on faecal 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing varies across six different sport breeds at two time points 8 months apart within a cohort of 189 healthy horses cared for under similar conditions. Lusitano horses presented the smallest and Hanoverians the greatest bacterial diversity. We found subtle but significant differences in β-diversity between Lusitano, Anglo Arabian and the central European breeds, and we reproduced these results across the two time points. Repeat sampling of subjects showed community to be temporally more stable in Lusitano and Anglo Arabian breeds. Additionally, we found that 27 genera significantly varied in abundance across breeds. Overall, 33% of these taxa overlapped with previously identified taxa that were associated with genetic variation in humans or other species. However, a non-significant correlation was observed between microbial composition and the host pedigree-based kinship. Despite a notable variation in the diversity and composition of the faecal microbiota, breed exerted limited effects on the equine faecal microbiota.
© 2019 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
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Publication Date: 2019-09-16 PubMed ID: 31523867DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12441Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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 study investigates the variations in gut bacteria across different sport horse breeds and their stability over time. The findings suggest that while there are observable differences in bacterial diversity between breeds, the breed has only a minor influence on the horses’ gut microbiota.

Objective of the Study

  • The primary objective of the research was to understand the dissimilarities and commonalities in the gut microbiota across different horse breeds. The intention was to aid the development of personalized microbial alterations, particularly concerning the enhancement of sport horses’ athletic performance.

Methods Used

  • The research was conducted on a cohort of 189 healthy horses of six different sports breeds.
  • All the horses were kept under similar conditions, and their stool samples were taken twice, with an 8 month interval.
  • The stool samples were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, a common technique used in microbial ecology studies to understand bacterial diversity.

Key Findings

  • The research highlighted breed-specific differences in microbial diversity. Among the horse breeds studied, Lusitano horses had the least bacterial diversity, while Hanoverians had the greatest.
  • Subtle but significant differences in β-diversity were found between Lusitano, Anglo Arabian, and central European breeds. These differences were consistent at both time points.
  • It was found that bacterial communities were temporally more stable in Lusitano and Anglo Arabian breeds.
  • The study noted that 27 types of bacteria significantly varied in abundance across different breeds.
  • Interestingly, a third of these bacteria overlapped with types previously found to be associated with genetic variation in humans or other species.

Conclusions

  • Despite observable variations in the diversity and composition of faecal microbiota across breeds, the breed appeared to have limited impact on the equine faecal microbiota.

Implications of the Study

  • The findings of this research indicate a need for further studies on the influence of factors other than breed (like diet or age) on the equine gut microbiota.
  • The study’s outcomes add to the understanding of the gut microbiota dynamics in horses, which could eventually aid in improving athletic performance or overall horse health management.

Cite This Article

APA
Massacci FR, Clark A, Ruet A, Lansade L, Costa M, Mach N. (2019). Inter-breed diversity and temporal dynamics of the faecal microbiota in healthy horses. J Anim Breed Genet, 137(1), 103-120. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbg.12441

Publication

Journal of animal breeding and genetics = Zeitschrift fur Tierzuchtung und Zuchtungsbiologie
ISSN: 1439-0388
NlmUniqueID: 100955807
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 137
Issue: 1
Pages: 103-120

Researcher Affiliations

Massacci, Francesca Romana
  • UMR 1313, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
  • Research and Development Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche 'Togo Rosati', Perugia, Italy.
  • Agricultural and Food Sciences Department, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Clark, Allison
  • Gastroenterology Department, Vall d'Hebron Research Center, Barcelona, Spain.
Ruet, Alice
  • PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, University of Tours, Nouzilly, France.
Lansade, Léa
  • PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, University of Tours, Nouzilly, France.
Costa, Marcio
  • Biomedical Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.
Mach, Núria
  • UMR 1313, INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Feces / microbiology
  • Female
  • Genetic Variation
  • Horses / genetics
  • Horses / microbiology
  • Male
  • Microbiota / genetics
  • Pedigree
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics

Grant Funding

  • Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation
  • Fonds Eperon

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Citations

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