Could Weaning Remodel the Oral Microbiota Composition in Donkeys? An Exploratory Study

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Animal Science
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• The oral microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion and overall health.
• The oral microbiota of donkey foals and the impact of weaning are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate changes in the oral microbial community of donkey foals during the weaning period.
• To characterize the donkey oral microbiome and its alterations post-weaning.

Main Methods:

• Buccal swab samples were collected from preweaning and postweaning donkey foals (n=10 each).
• Oral microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing (Illumina MiSeq).
• Microbial functions were predicted using PICRUSt.

Main Results:

• Postweaning donkeys exhibited increased oral bacterial diversity (higher Simpson index) compared to preweaning donkeys.
• Significant shifts in bacterial phyla (increased Firmicutes, Myxococcota) and genera (increased Gemella, Lactobacillus) were observed post-weaning.
• Oral microbiome functions related to carbohydrate metabolism were enriched in postweaning donkeys.

Conclusions:

• Weaning is a critical period that significantly reshapes the oral microbiome in donkey foals.
• Understanding these microbial shifts is vital for assessing long-term oral and systemic health in young donkeys.
• Further longitudinal studies are recommended to track microbial changes within the same individuals.