Comparative analysis of the fecal microbiota in Pere David's deer and five other captive deer species.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Gut microbes are essential for host nutrition, immunity, and development. Various factors influence the composition and function of the gut microbial community. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the comparison of gut microbiota across different deer species, particularly those in the World Deer Park of Baotou (Inner Mongolia, China).

Methods

This study utilized 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to analyze the fecal microbiota and potential microbial function in Père David's Deer (Elaphurus davidianus), Sika deer (Cervus nippon), American Wapiti (Cervus canadensis), Red Deer (Cervuselaphus), Fallow Deer (Dama dama), and Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus).

Results and discussion

The findings indicated no signi

SUBMITTER: Zhao C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11979286 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature