Methanogen-Bacteria metabolic interactions shape genetic heterogeneity in intestinal polysaccharide degradation

Individual variation in polysaccharide degradation is a shared trait among animals and humans, potentially influenced by gut microbial interactions. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Employing genetically distinct pig breeds (Meishan and Yorkshire) with varying plant polysaccharide degradation ability, the present study demonstrated that the colonic microbiome of Meishan pigs harbored a greater capacity to utilize hydrogen for methanogenesis by methanogens and thus maintained a lower hydrogen level that accelerated arabinoxylan degradation by Bacteroides members, finally promoting SCFA generation.