Data from: Impact of maternal diet and pregnancy type on the abundance of zoonotic bacteria (Firmicutes and Proteobacteria) in sheep feces and wool
Data files
Mar 26, 2026 version files 461.96 KB
Abstract
The large intestine healthy microbiota in sheep hosts pathogenic, but mainly nonpathogenic bacteria, which are essential to intestinal metabolism, contributing energy, antigens, and metabolites that positively impact host physiology, immunity, and metabolism. However, this microbiota also poses a public health risk due to fecal contamination in animal products, such as wool. This study examined how maternal diet and pregnancy type influence the relative abundance of zoonotic bacterial DNA belonging to phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria in sheep feces and wool. In total, 18 Ile de France ewes, with 8 carrying twins and 10 single lambs, were divided into two groups: one fed ad libitum on naturalized pasture, the other given red clover hay plus lupine, from 45 days prepartum to 60 days postpartum. Both fecal and wool samples were collected from ewes and lambs four and three times, respectively, and analyzed via qPCR for Firmicutes (Clostridium perfringens type C, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus uberis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus agalactiae) and Proteobacteria (Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli serotype O157). Data were analyzed using repeated measures two-way ANOVA. Results showed lower bacterial abundance in fecal samples than in wool samples, with ewe’s wool exhibiting a lower bacterial abundance compared with lamb’s wool. Enterococcus faecalis (Firmicutes) and E. coli (Proteobacteria) were the most prevalent bacteria, suggesting environmental contamination related to sheep behavior. In summary, handling offspring from birth to weaning and ewes until 60 days postpartum may increase zoonotic pathogen transmission risk, raising public health concerns regarding exposure to intestinal pathogenic bacteria.
Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.s4mw6m9jd
Description of the data and file structure
This study examined how maternal diet and pregnancy type influence the relative abundance of zoonotic bacterial DNA belonging to phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria in sheep feces and wool. In total, 18 Ile de France ewes, with 8 carrying twins and 10 single lambs, were divided into two groups: one fed ad libitum on naturalized pasture, the other given red clover hay plus lupine, from 45 days prepartum to 60 days postpartum.
This study was part of a postdoctoral project funded by FONDECYT grant 3160059, with additional support from FONDECYT 1150934 and FONDAP 15110027.
Vectors included:
- Genetic vectors: molecular-level information.
- Experimental vectors: methodological rigor.
- Logistical vectors: reproducibility and usability of data.
- Microbiological vectors:
- Direct: animals (ewes and lambs) as reservoirs/transmitters.
- Indirect: soil and pastures contaminated by feces.
- Zoonotic: human exposure during handling and processing.
Expected Use
Applications: Experimental reproducibility, comparative microbial ecology, biosecurity protocol design, zoonotic risk assessment, wool quality assurance.
Limitations: Sample size adequate for publication; class imbalance present (one category overrepresented), which may bias model outputs.
Files and variables
File: Database_of_Experimental_Vectors_for_Sheep_Wool.pdf
Copy of README with formatting
File: Database_of_experimental_vectors_for_sheep_wool_(151123).csv
Description:
This dataset compiles bacterial load measurements from fecal and wool samples of ewes and lambs, enabling the identification of predominant bacterial communities under varying conditions of gestation, diet, age, and sample type. It supports the detection of potential zoonotic risks and informs preventive measures.
The dataset allows comparative analyses between feces and wool, and between adult ewes and lambs, providing reproducible scientific evidence for microbial ecology in ovine systems. By linking bacterial load to wool quality, the dataset contributes to establishing safety standards for both wool and lamb production. Furthermore, it opens avenues for evaluating bacterial impacts on soil and water in grazing systems, promoting sustainable practices.
Coordinates: Farm located 12 km southeast of Villarrica, Araucanía Region, Chile (39°16′0″ S, 72°13′0″ E).
Columns: Repetition (1,2), Animal number (ear tag number), Year (2016), Time (sampling time, detailed below), Sample (feces or wool), Generation (ewe or offpring), Family (ewes and their corresponding offspring).
Sampling period: July 2016 – January 2017.
Sampling times: 0: 10 days prepartum; 1: at birth; 2: 30 days postpartum; 3: 60 days postpartum.
Independent variables and categories: Gestation (single- or twin-bearing ewes), Diet (red clover or naturalized pasture). Dependent variable: Relative abundance (Ct).
Variables
- Repetition: measurements over time
- Name: individual number
- Year: year of the study
- Time: moment of measurement
- sample: feces or wool
- Generation: ewes or lambs
- Family: family
- Gestation: single or twin-bearing ewes
- diet: naturalized or red clover
- bacteria: bacteria type
- Ct: Cycle threshold
Data were analyzed to evaluate the effects of maternal diet (red clover vs. naturalized pasture) and pregnancy type (single vs. twin) on the relative abundance of eight bacterial types. Samples were collected at four time points (0–3). Statistical approach: Linear models with fixed factors (diet, pregnancy type, interaction). Analysis: Repeated measures two-way ANOVA in R Studio (v.4.0.3), with Bonferroni correction. Significance threshold: p ≤ 0.05.
Treatment: Eighteen Ile de France ewes (third parity, body condition score 3.0), including 8 twin-bearing and 10 single-bearing individuals, grazing either red clover or naturalized pastures.
Sample handling: Feces and wool stored in Eppendorf tubes, transported on ice, preserved with RNA Safer Stabilizer Reagent, and stored at −80 °C at the Institute of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Universidad Austral de Chile.
Sampling lead: María Gallardo Paffetti.