Characterisation and comparison of microbial populations in swine faeces and manure storage pits by 16S rDNA gene sequence analyses

Odour emanating from anaerobic lagoons and swine production facilities has increased the tension among rural neighbors and among urban and rural residents. Storage of swine manure is associated with the production of a variety of odorous compounds, including ammonia, organic acids and alcohols, and sulphides. Although the generation of these chemicals is the result of microbiological activity little is known about the types of microorganisms responsible for their production. We have initiated an approach to determine and compare the bacterial populations present in both pig faeces and manure storage pits. Total DNA was isolated from both of these ecosystems. DNA sequence analyses of PCR amplified 16S rDNA genes derived from eubacterial sequences were carried out. Similarity analyses of the 16S sequences indicated the presence of primarily low G + C Gram-positive bacteria, such as Clostridium sp., Streptococcus sp., and Lactobacillus sp. in both ecosystems. Many of the sequences were from unidentified microorganisms. These results indicate that the primary eubacteria identified in swine faeces and manure pits are low G + C, Gram-positive bacteria. (C) 2001 Academic Press.