# Antimicrobial resistance genes in weaned pigs: quantitative abundance and group dynamics assessed by qPCR

## TL;DR

This study tracks antibiotic resistance genes in weaned pigs, showing high individual variation and how housing and age affect their abundance.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into ARG dynamics in weaner pigs using qPCR and highlights the importance of pen-floor sampling for accurate resistome profiling.

## Key findings

- erm(B) and aadA1 were the most abundant ARGs in weaner pigs.
- Pooled pen-floor feces showed higher ARG loads than individual fecal samples.
- ARG profiles varied significantly between pigs despite shared housing conditions.

## Abstract

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) linked with the selection of resistant bacteria in intensive commercial livestock production require regular surveillance. This study quantified ARG abundances in weaner pigs, with emphasis on inter-individual variation and temporal trends of ARG dynamics over 8 weeks in a flat-deck housing system. Fecal samples from 103 individual pigs and 53 pooled pen-floor collections were analyzed. Broad-spectrum ARG profiling of pooled DNA from both sample types was performed using high-throughput qPCR (SmartChip), while standard qPCR quantified eight ARGs (aadA1, blaTEM, dfrA12, erm(B), lnu(F), qnrS, sul2, and tet(A)) and the 16S rRNA gene in all samples. Among the quantified ARGs, erm(B) and aadA1 were the most abundant, while qnrS was least frequently detected. Substantial inter-individual variation was observed for most ARGs, despite pigs living together under the same management conditions. Pooled pen-floor feces exhibited significantly higher ARG loads than individual fecal samples, suggesting that resistome profiles at the pen-floor level cannot be accurately inferred from fresh feces of individual animals. Temporal analysis revealed that 16S rRNA gene copies increased during the later period, while tet(A) and sul2 decreased, suggesting age-related effects. These findings reveal pronounced intra-cohort variability in ARG abundance among weaner pigs and underscore the impact of weaning-associated factors on resistome composition. Future investigations should examine the contribution of gut microbiome dynamics and evaluate dietary interventions aimed at stabilizing ARG profiles and mitigating the resistance development of microbial resistance.