Wild boar and domestic pig gut microbes differ by diet and lifestyle

What the study found: The faecal microbiome of wild boars and domestic pigs differs in both structure and function, and the authors conclude that these differences are mainly shaped by diet and lifestyle. The study also reports previously untapped microbial diversity in wild boar faeces.
Why the authors say this matters: The authors say the curated catalogue of carbohydrate degraders, micro-organisms that break down carbohydrates, could help guide tailored probiotic supplementation during dietary transitions to novel fibrous feedstocks. They also suggest wild boar microbes may be a useful source for improving fibre degradation.
What the researchers tested: The researchers used metagenomic analysis, which examines all genetic material in a sample, to study the global wild boar faecal microbiome and compare it with that of domestic pigs. They curated a catalogue of carbohydrate degraders from both community types and examined microbial community structure and carbohydrate utilization potential.
What worked and what didn't: The study identified 47 highly versatile species among the carbohydrate degraders, including several novel species. It also found that the two Sus community types differed structurally and functionally. The abstract does not specify any tested approach that failed.
What to keep in mind: The abstract provides limited methodological detail and does not describe specific sample sizes, locations, or limitations. It also does not give detailed results for all analyses beyond the findings summarized here.

Key points

• Wild boar and domestic pig faecal microbiomes differed in structure and function.
• The authors say these microbiome differences were mainly shaped by diet and lifestyle.
• The study found previously untapped microbial diversity in wild boar faeces.
• A catalogue of carbohydrate degraders identified 47 highly versatile species, including several novel species.
• The authors suggest the catalogue could help guide tailored probiotic supplementation during dietary transitions.