The sow microbiome: Current and future perspectives to maximize the productivity in swine herds

Abstract

The development of new generation sequencing methods and the reduction in the cost per base sequenced over the past few years is drawing the attention of the pig industry to microbiome understanding and modulation. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of articles published related to microbiome studies in swine. With respect to sows, microbiome studies mainly focused on the gut, with some studies evaluating the reproductive tract and mammary microbiome. However, studies about urinary microbiome are still lacking. The present literature indicates that the microbiome in the sow’s gut can affect the microbiome in other body parts. Moreover, the understanding of the dynamics and interactions among microbial populations within the sow or the herd has led to improvements in animal health and reproductive performance. This review provides new insights related to sow intestinal, urinary, mammary, and reproductive microbiomes and their relationships with reproductive outcomes, diseases, and early colonization in offspring by gathering the most recent work in this field as well as pinpoints information gaps that require further investigation. This literature review also sheds light on the knowledge regarding the role of microbiomes in the reduction of antimicrobial use.