Metagenomic insights into the global wild boar faecal microbiome reveal novel taxa and carbohydrate degraders distinguishing wild and domesticated Sus

Key findings from this study

• The study found that faecal microbiome composition in Sus populations is primarily shaped by diet and lifestyle rather than host domestication status alone.
• The researchers identify two structurally and functionally distinct microbial community types representing alternative homeostatic states in wild versus domesticated Sus.
• The study compiled a curated catalogue of carbohydrate-degrading taxa present in the Sus faecal microbiome that can inform probiotic design for dietary transitions.

Overview

Metagenomic analysis of wild boar faecal samples revealed previously uncharacterized microbial diversity within Sus populations. The study identified structural and functional differences between microbial communities in wild and domesticated animals, attributing these differences to diet and lifestyle factors rather than host genetics alone.

Methods and approach

The researchers conducted metagenomic sequencing of faecal samples from wild and domesticated Sus populations. Analysis identified distinct microbial community types and functionally characterized carbohydrate-degrading taxa through comparative genomic approaches.

Results

Metagenomic analysis distinguished two microbial community types differing in both structure and functional capacity between wild and domesticated Sus populations. These alternative states of microbiome homeostasis reflect differences in dietary composition and environmental exposure rather than fixed host-driven constraints.

The study identified novel microbial taxa and compiled a curated catalogue of carbohydrate-degrading organisms present within the faecal microbiome. These organisms exhibited differential abundance and functional profiles across wild versus domesticated groups, suggesting distinct roles in plant material fermentation under different nutritional conditions.

Implications

The characterization of carbohydrate-degrading taxa provides a foundation for rational selection of probiotic organisms tailored to specific dietary transitions. During shifts toward novel fibrous feedstocks, targeted supplementation with characterized degraders may improve fermentation efficiency and reduce metabolic disruption in managed Sus populations.

The recognition that microbiome composition reflects modifiable environmental factors rather than fixed host determinants suggests intervention opportunities in both wild and domesticated management contexts. Understanding the plasticity of microbial communities supports development of evidence-based dietary protocols and health management strategies responsive to changing resource availability or production objectives.

Scope and limitations

This summary is based on the study abstract and available metadata. It does not include a full analysis of the complete paper, supplementary materials, or underlying datasets unless explicitly stated. Findings should be interpreted in the context of the original publication.