Use of fecal microbiome to understand the impact of housing conditions on metabolic stress responses in farmed saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus).

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Understanding the impact of housing conditions on the stress responses in farmed saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) is crucial for optimizing welfare and management practices.

Methods

This study employed a multi-omics methodology, combining targeted and untargeted LC-MS for metabolite, lipid, and hormone profiling with 16S rRNA gene sequencing for microbiome analysis, to compare stress responses and changes in fecal samples of crocodiles housed in single versus group pens. Metabolic responses to a startle test were evaluated through multivariate analysis, and changes post-stress were examined.

Results

A total of 564 metabolic features were identified. Of these, 15 metabolites were linked to the cortisol biosynthesis pathway. Metabolite origi

SUBMITTER: Beale DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11865912 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature