Characterization of indigenous Agu pigs based on their gut microbiome

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K05636
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 39060:Conservation of biological resources-related
• Research Institution: University of the Ryukyus
• Principal Investigator: Wachi Nakatada 琉球大学, 熱帯生物圏研究センター, 助教 (40635299)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 在来家畜 / アグー / 腸内細菌叢 / メタバーコーディング / メタゲノム

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we focused on host-specific gut bacterial groups and investigated those associated with the fiber-rich fed nature of the Agu pig, indigenous pig of Janan. We collected fecal samples from approximately 10% of all registered Agu pigs in Okinawa Prefecture at the time. Additionally, we established an experimental system for flora metabarcoding analysis using these fecal samples.
Contrary to our expectations and the preliminary experiments, we did not identify any candidate bacterial groups that characterize Agu pigs from this data. Moreover, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the principal investigator's change of affiliation, there were delays in establishing the research environment and system. Consequently, we were unable to complete the predictive metagenomic analysis as originally planned.

Free Research Field

分子生態学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、宿主特異的な腸内細菌群に着目し、在来家畜の特徴的な性質を説明することを目指した。そのために、日本唯一の在来豚であるアグー豚の「粗食で育つ」という性質に関連する腸内細菌群を探索した。アグー豚の「粗食で育つ」という生理機能の一端を担う細菌叢を明らかにすることで、未知の細菌群を含む、特徴的な生理機能をもった新規の細菌群を見出すことができる可能性がある。海外の在来豚で知られているもののそのような例は少ない。そのため、一連の研究を通して、アグー豚のような地域固有の在来家畜それ自体だけでなく、その腸内細菌も遺伝資源として貴重であることが示唆できるはずである。