Once the DNA sequencing is completed, the next step is to interpret the vast amounts of data generated. This involves sophisticated bioinformatics tools that:
Compare the DNA sequences to vast databases of known microbial genomes.
The software calculates the diversity and richness of microorganisms in the sample, often using indices like alpha diversity (which measures the number of species) and beta diversity (which compares microbial communities between samples).
It quantifies how much of each microorganism is present, revealing which species dominate and which are less abundant.
In advanced metagenomic analysis, researchers can also look at the genes present in the microbiome, providing insight into the microbial functions, such as the production of enzymes, vitamins, or metabolites.
Your pet's biome is a community of micro-organisms, consisting of a mixture of the good (host friendly), the bad (linked to disease, and the not so bad (don't do any harm but don't contribute to good nutrition).
This community is influenced by many factors including the breed of your pet, their age and the food they eat. Although a high percentage of bacteria contribute towards your pet's health, some are pathogenic and if there is an overgrowth of these bad bacteria, they can have harmful effects.
It is important to maintain the right balance between the beneficial and pathogenic bacteria. The balance can alter through stress, the use of medications and with a change in diet. Some imbalances may show as gastrointestinal discomfort and other imbalance show as allergies, diarrhoea or poor gastrointestinal health.
Bacteria have jobs to do and contributions to make, some provide energy, vitamins and help to make nutrients, such as carbohydrates, more available. Other microbes interact with the immune, endocrine, nervous system and brain.
Download a sample of our personalised PetBiome report to see the kind of insights and guidance you'll receive after completing the test.
The first part of the report looks at the top groups of bacteria at genus level. Bacteria are divided into groups to make them easier to understand and identify.
This part of the report identifies the core members of the microbiome and highlights the nutritional contributions and benefits made by them. Deficiencies are also identified and advice is given on how to feed the good gut bacteria to improve health and also how to reduce those bacteria that don't make a contribution to the health of the host and are in fact linked to poor health.
Microbiome testing unveils the secrets to diagnosing and managing gastrointestinal woes, such as chronic diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, or food sensitivities in our beloved pets.
A healthy microbiome is intricately linked to a robust immune system. Through microbiome tests, one can discover whether a pet’s microbial realm is nurturing their defences or causing infections and autoimmune afflictions.
The intriguing realm of the gut-brain axis reveals that imbalances within the gut microbiome may sway the moods, anxieties, and stresses of animals, much like it does for humans. Testing may illuminate the roots of behavioural quandaries and inspire transformative interventions.
Microbiome testing offers a gentle means to unveil vital secrets about a dog's well-being. Rather than relying solely on outward signs or a journey of trial and error, it paves the way for a more focused and scientifically grounded strategy.
The microbiome is believed to play a pivotal role in numerous long-term health challenges, such as obesity, diabetes, heart ailments, and skin concerns. By examining the microbiome, potential issues can be identified at their nascent stage.
The revelations from our microbiome testing help veterinarians, nutritionists, behaviourists, and devoted pet owners to customise nutrition, medications, and lifestyle adjustments, ensuring the pet's health flourishes.
Unlock the potential of your pet's health with the Biome4Pets Microbiome Kit. How it works:
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