Quantitative comparison of some faecal bacterial communities in groups of Mangalica and commercial pigs

Abstract

Different housing technology, breed, age and nutrition can contribute to changes in the composition of microbial communities in pigs. Faecal samples from groups of Mangalica and commercial pigs were collected and analysed by qPCR in order to identify changes and differences regarding the quantity of total faecal bacteria, Prevotella genus, Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Enterococcus spp. and the family Enterobacteriaceae. In both Mangalica and commercial pig samples, quantities of total faecal bacteria increased from weaner pigs to lactating sows. The relative quantity of total bacteria was larger (p<0.05) in Mangalica growers and lactating sows compared to commercial pigs. The ratio of Prevotella genus in total bacteria was higher (p<0.05) in Mangalica growers and lower in Mangalica lactating sows compared to respective commercial groups. The ratio of Lactobacillus spp. was largest (p<0.05) in samples of Mangalica boars, whereas ratios of Bifidobacterium spp. were greater (p<0.05) in Mangalica weaners, growers, and boars. Faecal samples of Mangalica growers contained a higher ratio of Enterobacteriaceae in total bacteria, whereas Enterococcus spp. was more prevalent in commercial weaner pigs and boars (p<0.05). Considerable changes in faecal bacteria communities were observed in association with different age and utilization.