biostudies-literaturePereira HUniversität BielefeldDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft27https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11092241biostudies-literatureUnknown6(1)<h4>Background</h4>Exploring the dynamics of gut microbiome colonisation during early-life stages is important for understanding the potential impact of microbes on host development and fitness. Evidence from model organisms suggests a crucial early-life phase when shifts in gut microbiota can lead to immune dysregulation and reduced host condition. However, our understanding of gut microbiota colonisation in long-lived vertebrates, especially during early development, remains limited. We therefore used a wild population of common buzzard nestlings (Buteo buteo) to investigate connections between the early-life gut microbiota colonisation, environmental and host factors.<h4>Results</h4>We targeted both bacterial and eukaryotic microbiota using the 16S and 28S rRNA genes. We sampled the indAnimal microbiomeEarly-life factors shaping the gut microbiota of Common buzzard nestlings.PMC11092241316099922398434413396780709433069365233740704Tobias BKruger OChakarov NGladow KPCaspers BARinaud TMaraci OHoffman JIPereira HOttensmann MfalseEarly-life factors shaping the gut microbiota of Common buzzard nestlings.<h4>Background</h4>Exploring the dynamics of gut microbiome colonisation during early-life stages is important for understanding the potential impact of microbes on host development and fitness. Evidence from model organisms suggests a crucial early-life phase when shifts in gut microbiota can lead to immune dysregulation and reduced host condition. However, our understanding of gut microbiota colonisation in long-lived vertebrates, especially during early development, remains limited. We therefore used a wild population of common buzzard nestlings (Buteo buteo) to investigate connections between the early-life gut microbiota colonisation, environmental and host factors.<h4>Results</h4>We targeted both bacterial and eukaryotic microbiota using the 16S and 28S rRNA genes. We sampled the ind2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 May2026-03-31T11:30:02.992Z2025-08-31T03:08:20.332ZS-EPMC110922413874525410.1186/s42523-024-00313-8