INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RESTRICTION ALTERS GUT MICROBIOTA DYNAMIC COMPOSITION IN PIGS THROUGHOUT POSTNATAL DEVELOPMENT

Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) is a major concern in swine production, causing pre-weaning death and compromising performance in postnatal development, due to impairments in gut development and morphofunctionality until advanced stages of postnatal life. Microbial composition is dynamic, with microbial families increasing or decreasing its proportion over time, according to the metabolic needs of the host, being deeply involved with gut maturation and digestive function, among various metabolic pathways. IUGR reportedly affects microbial composition and microbiome-related metabolism, but information regarding the extent of these effects is still scarce.