Distinct Rumen Microbial Features and Host Metabolic Responses in Three Cervid Species.

ABSTRACT: Rumen microbiota is pivotal for nutrient metabolism and physiological adaptation in ruminants. This study investigated the rumen microbial community, fermentation parameters, and serum biochemistry of three Cervid species-Sika deer (Cervus nippon), Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), and Milu deer (Elaphurus davidianus) (n = 5/group)-fed an identical diet. Using 16S rRNA sequencing and biochemical analyses, we found that while Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were dominant phyla across species. Sika deer and Milu deer exhibited significantly higher microbial diversity and abundance of carbohydrate-digesting genera (e.g., Butyrivibrio, Saccharofermentans), and pathways of carbohydrate digestion and absorption, starch and sucrose metabolism compared t

SUBMITTER: Zhu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12784906 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature