Modulation of the piglets’ microbiota: differential effects by a high wheat bran maternal diet during gestation and lactation

Microbiota interacts with the host and is important for the maturation of a new-born’s immune system. One strategy to achieve an adequate immune system is the addition of prebiotics to sows’ diet, as their microbiota will be transferred. Transmission of microbiota to the offspring has always been thought to occur at birth and during lactation but a transfer might also occur during gestation. The objectives of this study were to determine whether and when (before and/or after birth) a maternal transfer of the microbiota occurs, and to observe the impact of wheat bran in sows’ diet on their faecal microbiota, their offspring’s microbiota and fermentation profile. An animal experiment was run with 15 sows, divided in control (CON) and wheat bran (WB) groups. DNA was extracted from umbilical cord blood, meconium, sows’ faeces and piglets’ colon content. Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production was determined in piglets’ distal gut. Different bacteria were found in the umbilical cord blood, suggesting a maternal transfer already during gestation. Microbiota of both sows and piglets were significantly but differently affected by the diet. SCFA profiles in the piglets’ distal gut were also affected by the maternal treatment, reflecting the altered microbiota.