Effects of Rearing Conditions and Sex on Cecal Microbiota in Ducks.

ABSTRACT: The intestinal microbiome influences the health of animals. However, little is known about the impact of indoor conditions and sex on intestinal microbiome diversity and composition in ducks. The present study aimed to investigate differences in the cecal microbiome between male and female ducks reared on the floor (PY group) or in cages (LY group). We also determined the relationships between cecal microbiota composition and slaughter traits, and the expression levels of mucosal and intestinal structural genes in ducks. There was a slight difference in slaughter traits among the groups, with cecum weight being significantly lighter in the LY compared with the PY group, especially in females (p < 0.05). Analysis of the alpha diversity of the cecal microbiota between males and female

SUBMITTER: Zhu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7578374 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature