Fecal microbiota transplantation alleviates weaning stress in Tibetan piglets by modulating gut microbiota metabolite interactions

Weaned piglets are highly stress-vulnerable, with reduced immunity. Conventional use of antibiotics to prevent diarrhea and boost growth carries risks: bacterial resistance, drug residues, and intestinal flora imbalance, threatening food safety and public health. Meanwhile, demand for antibiotic-free livestock products is rising. Many countries have adopted policies restricting or banning antibiotics. Thus, developing safe, effective antibiotic alternatives is vital-to ensure piglet health, align with the industrys green development, and meet market needs. This study systematically evaluated the regulatory effects of fecal microbiota transplantation on gut microbiota and host metabolism in weaned Tibetan piglets by integrating 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomics, with experimental groups including a basal diet, lincomycin-supplemented, and FMT-supplemented interventions.