Characterization of the Pig Gut Microbiome and Antibiotic Resistome in Industrialized Feedlots in China

Abstract

The gut microbiota is believed to be closely related to many important physical functions in the host. Comprehensive data on mammalian gut metagenomes has facilitated research on host-microbiome interaction mechanisms, but less is known about pig gut microbiome, especially the gut microbiome in industrialized feedlot pigs, compared with human microbiome. On the other hand, pig production, as an important source of food, is believed to exacerbate the antibiotic resistance in humans due to the abuse of antibiotics in pig production in various parts of the world. This study delineates an intricate picture of swine gut microbiome and antibiotic resistome in industrialized feedlots and may provide insight for the pig producing industry.