Skip to main content

Challenges and issues in analysing and interpreting microbiota sequencing data


Microorganisms in the intestine can have multifaceted effects on the health and productivity of animals and birds. The advancement in DNA sequencing technology has enabled scientists to study these microorganisms and their effects on unprecedented depth and scale. This resulted in thousands of studies about intestinal microbiota (term to describe all microorganisms in an environment) and their role.  This led to hundreds of commercial animal supplements with claims to positively modify intestinal microbiota to improve health and productivity. However, a depth of knowledge and skills is required to correctly analyse and interpret the sequencing data. There are several limitations and complexities in analysing such data and misrepresentation and misinterpretation of such data is common.

Scientists from the Institute for Future Farming System, Central Queensland University Australia have recently published a review entitled “the role of microbiota in animal health and productivity: misinterpretations and limitations” in the journal “Animal Production Science”. This review is focused on the issues and challenges regarding the analysis and interpretation of microbiota research. In addition, current trends in microbiota research in different livestock (specifically ruminants, pig and poultry) have also been discussed. 

The article has summarised the role of microbiota as “the most prominent and well-known roles include control of fat storage and weight gain, gut barrier defence, breaking down complex nutrients, development and training of the immune system, biosynthesis of vitamins and amino acids, communication with the nervous system, pathogen exclusion and control, mood, behaviour and food craving influence, short-chain fatty acid production and much more”.  Moreover, microbiota play specific roles during production stress such as heat stress, stress during transport, stress due to disease etc. 

The article emphasized that “the microbiota investigation is now a highly regarded methodology that solidified its role in livestock health and welfare research; however, the levels of complexity of each individual step, taken from animal trial to data analysis, need to be thoroughly understood and addressed.” The review has discussed how highly variable nature of microbiota population between animals and different gut sections, choice of marker genes and their specific regions and PCR primers affect the microbiota research. Similarly, the article has also highlighted the challenges in designing the microbiota research and selecting the right method and tools to analyse the data. The paper has affirmed that “regardless of the immense advancements in computational analysis tools, many factors in data analysis introduce biases and errors.”

The paper has concluded that “Despite some methodology shortfalls, microbiome research is far from slowing down, and a trend of shifting the focus towards animal and environmental welfare rather than productivity is emerging.”

The article can be accessed by clicking the article title below:

The role of microbiota in animal health and productivity: misinterpretations and limitations

Comments

  1. I will summarize commonly used computational
    tools used for the analysis of different types of sequencing data in the gut microbiome
    studies, which help to extend our knowledge in the role gut microbiome plays in human
    health and disease pathogenesis.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The review emphasizes the importance of microbiota in animal well-being and productivity, highlighting the intricacies and constraints of analyzing and interpreting microbiota research. It underscores the necessity of comprehending the methodology and hurdles associated with studying microbiota while acknowledging the growing emphasis on animal and environmental welfare in microbiome research, moving beyond mere productivity. If you require assistance with nursing dissertation topics or any other queries, feel free to let me know.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The content language was formal yet meaningful, but you may experiment with alternative methods to communicate the information. If anyone here owns a Linksys extender and is seeking instructions for setting up Linksys range extender, please visit our website. You can also contact our technical support staff and they will immediately respond to your queries.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I found the section on video compression quite enlightening. It's fascinating how advanced algorithms can minimize data usage without sacrificing. Anyone looking to delve into the details of the lorex com login process should definitely check out your site for step-by-step instructions.

    ReplyDelete
  5. The simplest technique captures the viewer's attention, and that is contained in your topic; keep the spirit high. If somebody is interested in learning why their asus router wifi not working and about its setup process as well then they can go to our website and read all of the full instructions. You can also contact our specialists for more assistance if you like.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Keep posting this sort of information, which is utterly untouchable, since the concept and substance both work too well for your blog. If you want to know how to complete linksys router setup with phone, visiting our website can make your setup process much easier.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Because you are aware of the significance of the idea, the presentation of this has been excellent. Keep up the good job. Anyone interested in learning how to get into an ASUS router can visit this website at router.asus.com. Visit our website for further information or questions.

    ReplyDelete
  8. The best part of this piece of work is how simple the idea is and how it is developed; keep writing articles like this. Please visit our website to learn more about the Linksys router setup with phone procedures. Contact our technical support staff for additional details.

    ReplyDelete
  9. The finest aspect of this post is how the facts are presented; your content delivery is excellent and shows your dedication. If anyone in this space has questions regarding how the resetting Linksys extender can be done, they should visit our website and get assistance from our professionals who have received specialized training.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Unravel the complexities of microbiota and how it affects health and environment. We untangle the mysteries of these microscopic creatures, their symbiotic relationships and how they affect life as we know it. Surprisingly, we present the notion of Ocean Freight Englewood USA. This word, which is often used in connection with the shipment of goods over great seas, takes a special position within our story. We compare the microbiota with its diversity and dynamism to the dynamic, complex operations of ocean freight. Look forward to an interesting trip where science meets logistics.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Basic Concepts of Food Security: Definition, Dimensions and Integrated Phase Classification

by Yadav Sharma Bajagai "Food Security" is one of major elements of development and poverty alleviation and has been the goal of many international and national public organizations. The issue is so important that according to the state of food insecurity in the world 2012 published by FAO around 870 million people (out of which 852 million from developing countries) are estimated to have been undernourished in the period 2010-12. Although the phrase "Food Security" is being used widely, the definition and concept of food security is elusive and being evolved and expanded over time.

Agriculture and Food Security Project (AFSP) Nepal: An Initiative to Fight Against Hunger

Background Household food deficiency due to low agricultural productivity, limited livelihood opportunities, inefficient food distribution system, weak market linkage, poor infrastructure and lack of awareness among general public about healthy food habit are some of the development challenges in Nepal. Within the country western Nepal suffer more from poverty and hunger with 37% of the people living below the poverty line compared to the national average of 25.16%. Similarly, productivity of major crops is significantly lower than the national average which is already among the lowest in South Asia. Per capita consumption of animal products (32 litres of milk, 7.5 kg of meat and 6.4 eggs per capita per annum) is among the lowest in the region hunger indices pointing to an extremely alarming situation. Household food balance (result of food inflow, household production, household consumption and outflow) is negative almost throughout the year in the region.  Government of

Food Safety Regulation in Nepal

by Yadav Sharma Bajagai 1          Introduction   Being member of different international organizations, Nepal has many food safety related obligations to comply with rules and regulations of those organizations. Food safety related issues started to become matter of increased concern and one of the priority areas of the government after the country has become member of the world trade organization (WTO) in 2004. Being a developing country, food chains are generally long in developing countries like Nepal as compared to those in developed countries due to poor infrastructure which makes the food more vulnerable to be contaminated with harmful agents (microorganism and chemicals). In addition, infrastructures related to technical regulation, conformity assessment and safety of food are still in developing phase which requires more focus and investment for better functioning. Similarly, Inspections and regulation of food related business are challenging and difficult due