Potential Use of Gut Microbiota Composition as a Biomarker of Heat Stress in Monogastric Species: A Review

Abstract

Heat stress is a current challenge for livestock production, and its impact could dramatically increase if global temperatures continue to climb. Exposure of agricultural animals to high ambient temperatures and humidity would lead to substantial economic losses because it compromises animal performance, productivity, health, and welfare. The gut microbiota plays essential roles in nutrient absorption, energy balance, and immune defenses through profound symbiotic interactions with the host. The homeostasis of those diverse gut microorganisms is critical for the host's overall health and welfare status and also is sensitive to environmental stressors, like heat stress, reflected in altered composition and functionality. This article aims to summarize the research progress on the interactions between heat stress and gut microbiome and discuss the potential use of the gut microbiota composition as a biomarker of heat stress in monogastric animal species. A comprehensive understanding of the gut microbiota's role in responding to or regulating physiological activities induced by heat stress would contribute to developing mitigation strategies.

Keywords: biomarker; elevated ambient temperatures; gut microbiota; health; heat stress; monogastric animal; welfare.

Figure 1

A schematic summary of the impact of high ambient temperatures on the gut microbiota and intestinal morphology in monogastric agricultural animals: pig and chicken. Other related information—including commonly used biomarkers of heat stress, thermoneutral zones for pigs and chickens, main components of the gut microbiota, and consequences of heat stress—are also included.