Fig. 5. Heatmap showing associations between core bacterial taxa (phylum, family, and genus), and animal weight gain, and IgG1 levels in blood plasma.

Associations between weight gain and core bacteria were analyzed using multiple linear regressions, with initial body weight, age, breed composition, sex, and the relative abundance of bacteria as explanatory variables. Associations between IgG1 levels in blood plasma and core bacteria were also analyzed using multiple linear regressions. The asterisks denote associations that were significant or had tendency when the analysis was performed using an animal mixed model (controlling the animal effect).