The gut microbiome composition varies from person to person and changes as we age, leading to an increase in pro-inflammatory microbes and harmful metabolites. Studies show that these changes can contribute to age-related diseases and mortality, as seen in rabbits where specific differences in the gut microbiome correlate with lifespan. Longevity and resilience are crucial for sustainable livestock production, with resilient animals living longer. Research on rabbits’ gut microbiome reveals that animals with different longevities have distinct microbial profiles, suggesting that the gut microbiome could be a predictor of longevity and a selection criterion for desirable traits.
In a study involving 95 does, differences in microbial diversity were observed between maternal rabbit lines with varying longevities. The gut microbiota analysis showed high accuracy in classifying animals based on longevity criteria. Common microbial taxa related to resilience and longevity were identified, indicating the potential of the gut microbiome as a predictive factor for longevity. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the gut microbiome’s role in increasing longevity and resilience in rabbits for sustainable livestock production.
