Markers of fertility in reproductive microbiomes of male and female endangered black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes).

ABSTRACT: Reproductive microbiomes contribute to reproductive health and success in humans. Yet data on reproductive microbiomes, and links to fertility, are absent for most animal species. Characterizing these links is pertinent to endangered species, such as black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes), whose populations show reproductive dysfunction and rely on ex-situ conservation husbandry. To understand microbial contributions to animal reproductive success, we used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to characterize male (prepuce) and female (vaginal) microbiomes of 59 black-footed ferrets at two ex-situ facilities and in the wild. We analyzed variation in microbiome structure according to markers of fertility such as numbers of viable and non-viable offspring (females) and sperm concentration (males). F

SUBMITTER: Bornbusch SL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10891159 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature