Fecal microbiota characterization of an Italian local horse breed.
Authors: Carrillo Heredero Alicia Maria, Sabbioni Alberto, Asti Vittoria, Ablondi Michela, Summer Andrea, Bertini Simone
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Fecal Microbiota of the Bardigiano Horse Researchers at Italian institutions sequenced 16S rRNA from faecal samples of 11 Bardigiano mares (aged 3–4 years) to characterise the microbial communities specific to this traditional native breed, comparing findings against published microbiota profiles from athlete horses to identify breed-dependent differences. Whilst gross taxonomic composition (phylum through genus level) broadly resembled that of other equine populations, lower taxonomic resolution revealed distinct bacterial families unique to the Bardigiano, with individual weight, provincial origin, and specific breeding site each significantly influencing microbiota structure (p ≤0.05 across variables). The microbiota of Bardigianos differed markedly from that of athletic specialist breeds (p <0.001), demonstrating that breed history, local environmental conditions, and management practices fundamentally shape equine gut microbiology. For practitioners managing heritage or native breeds, these findings underscore that generalised nutritional and probiotic recommendations derived from sport horse data may not optimally serve locally-adapted populations; future work characterising microbiota responses to feed changes or supplementation in such breeds could refine evidence-based management strategies and support both animal health and genetic preservation efforts.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Local horse breeds possess breed-specific microbial profiles that reflect their geographic adaptation and management conditions—this may influence their resilience and health management strategies
- •Environmental factors (location, breeding site) and individual characteristics (weight) substantially shape gut microbiota, suggesting that standardized management protocols may need breed-specific tailoring
- •Understanding breed-specific microbiota composition supports preservation of local genetic heritage and may inform targeted nutritional or health management approaches for heritage breeds
Key Findings
- •Bardigiano horses showed similar microbiota composition at higher taxonomic levels compared to other breeds, but distinct families at lower taxonomic levels
- •Weight, province of origin, and breeding site significantly affected microbiota composition (p≤0.02, p≤0.04, p≤0.05 respectively)
- •Significant differences in microbiota composition between local Bardigiano breed and athlete breeds (p<0.001), demonstrating that animal and environmental factors are crucial determinants