Effects of Diet and Altitude on the Microbiota of the First Compartment of the Stomach in Peruvian Alpacas in Highland Puna Regions and Their Correlations with Blood Parameters.

ABSTRACT: This study explores the intestinal microbiota of eight 18-month-old male alpacas from two distinct high-altitude regions in Peru: the Wet Puna (4200 m above sea level) and the Dry Puna (4900 m above sea level). Using 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA metabarcoding, microbial communities of bacteria, archaea, fungi, and protists were analyzed from the first compartment of the stomach (C1) to investigate the diversity, taxonomic composition, and correlations with hematological parameters. Significant differences in microbial diversity and composition were observed between regions, driven by dietary and environmental factors. The Wet Puna exhibited greater alpha diversity in bacterial and fungal communities, while beta diversity highlighted distinct microbial compositions. Key taxa, such as Prevotella

SUBMITTER: Flores-Huarco NH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12844463 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature