Integrated community profiling indicates long-term temporal stability of the predominant faecal microbiota in captive cheetahs.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the symbiotic relationship between gut microbes and their animal host requires characterization of the core microbiota across populations and in time. Especially in captive populations of endangered wildlife species such as the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), this knowledge is a key element to enhance feeding strategies and reduce gastrointestinal disorders. In order to investigate the temporal stability of the intestinal microbiota in cheetahs under human care, we conducted a longitudinal study over a 3-year period with bimonthly faecal sampling of 5 cheetahs housed in two European zoos. For this purpose, an integrated 16S rRNA DGGE-clone library approach was used in combination with a series of real-time PCR assays. Our findings disclosed a stable faecal microbiota, beyond inte

SUBMITTER: Becker AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4408007 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature