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Scientific reports2018; 8(1); 8510; doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-26930-3

Variation in faecal microbiota in a group of horses managed at pasture over a 12-month period.

Abstract: Colic (abdominal pain) is a common cause of mortality in horses. Change in management of horses is associated with increased colic risk and seasonal patterns of increased risk have been identified. Shifts in gut microbiota composition in response to management change have been proposed as one potential underlying mechanism for colic. However, the intestinal microbiota in normal horses and how this varies over different seasons has not previously been investigated. In this study the faecal microbiota composition was studied over 12 months in a population of horses managed at pasture with minimal changes in management. We hypothesised that gut microbiota would be stable in this population over time. Faecal samples were collected every 14 days from 7 horses for 52 weeks and the faecal microbiota was characterised by next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. The faecal microbiota was dominated by members of the phylum Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes throughout. Season, supplementary forage and ambient weather conditions were significantly associated with change in the faecal microbiota composition. These results provide important baseline information demonstrating physiologic variation in the faecal microbiota of normal horses over a 12-month period without development of colic.
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Publication Date: 2018-05-31 PubMed ID: 29855517PubMed Central: PMC5981443DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26930-3Google 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 focuses on the fluctuation of gut microbiota (bacteria present in the intestines) in horses over a year, and its relation to colic – abdominal pain that often leads to mortality in horses. The investigation indicates that the change in management, seasonal patterns, supplementary forage, and weather conditions impact the balance of gut bacteria, signifying the need to consider these factors for their healthy upkeep.

Objective of the research

  • The main purpose of the research is to comprehend the nature and fluctuation of microbiota in the gut of horses, predominantly managed in pastures, over the course of 12 months.
  • It aims to relate the changes in gut microbiota with increased risks of colic in horses.
  • The study intends to validate the hypothesis that the gut microbiota of horses, under stable management conditions, remains steady over time.

Methodology

  • The team collected fecal samples from seven horses every 14 days over a span of 52 weeks, with minimal alterations in the horses’ management.
  • These samples were analysed using next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA genes, which allowed them to precisely characterise the faecal microbiota.

Findings

  • The research found that the microbiota composition in horses’ feces was primarily made of the phylum Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes throughout the year.
  • Changes in the composition of gut microbiota were significantly linked with the changing season, supplementary forage, and weather conditions.
  • This indicates that different external factors can influence the healthy balance of bacteria in the horses’ gut, which can further impact their health.

Significance of the research

  • The findings of the study provide crucial baseline information for future research and sheds light on the physiological fluctuation in the microbiota of horses’ faeces over a year.
  • This study supports the understanding that maintaining consistent conditions for horses can contribute to their intestinal health and lowers the risk of diseases like colic.
  • It underscores the need for appropriate management strategies considering the seasonal variations and ambient weather conditions for the welfare of horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Salem SE, Maddox TW, Berg A, Antczak P, Ketley JM, Williams NJ, Archer DC. (2018). Variation in faecal microbiota in a group of horses managed at pasture over a 12-month period. Sci Rep, 8(1), 8510. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-26930-3

Publication

Scientific reports
ISSN: 2045-2322
NlmUniqueID: 101563288
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 8
Issue: 1
Pages: 8510
PII: 8510

Researcher Affiliations

Salem, Shebl E
  • Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK. s.e.shebl@gmail.com.
  • Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt. s.e.shebl@gmail.com.
Maddox, Thomas W
  • Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK.
Berg, Adam
  • Department of Genetics, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.
Antczak, Philipp
  • Centre of Computational Biology and Modelling, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
Ketley, Julian M
  • Department of Genetics, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.
Williams, Nicola J
  • Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK.
Archer, Debra C
  • Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK. darcher@liverpool.ac.uk.
  • Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK. darcher@liverpool.ac.uk.

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Feed / analysis
  • Animal Feed / microbiology
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Animals
  • Bacteroidetes / genetics
  • Bacteroidetes / isolation & purification
  • Colic / microbiology
  • Colic / veterinary
  • Feces / microbiology
  • Firmicutes / genetics
  • Firmicutes / isolation & purification
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome
  • Horse Diseases / microbiology
  • Horses / microbiology
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / isolation & purification
  • Seasons

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

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