Huddling remodels gut microbiota to reduce energy requirements in a small mammal species during cold exposure.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Huddling is highly evolved as a cooperative behavioral strategy for social mammals to maximize their fitness in harsh environments. Huddling behavior can change psychological and physiological responses. The coevolution of mammals with their microbial communities confers fitness benefits to both partners. The gut microbiome is a key regulator of host immune and metabolic functions. We hypothesized that huddling behavior altered energetics and thermoregulation by shaping caecal microbiota in small herbivores. Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) were maintained in a group (huddling) or as individuals (separated) and were exposed to warm (23 ± 1 °C) and cold (4 ± 1 °C) air temperatures (T_a).

Results

Voles exposed to cold T_a had higher energy

SUBMITTER: Zhang XY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5994089 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature