Analysis of the microbial diversity in takin (Budorcas taxicolor) feces

The intestinal tract of animals is a complex and dynamic microecosystem that is inextricably linked to the health of the host organism. Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) is a threatened species, and its gut microbiome is poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the microbial community structure and potential pathogens of takin.

Takin fecal samples were collected from five sites in a nature reserve to ensure the uniformity of sample collection, determine the effects of different geographical locations on gut microbes, and analyze the differences in microbial communities between sites. Subsequently, high-throughput 16S rDNA gene sequencing was performed to analyze the microbial diversity and potential pathogens in the gut; the findings were verified by isolating and culturing bacteria and metagenomic sequencing.

The takin gut microflora consisted mainly of four phyla: Firmicutes (69.72%), Bacteroidota (13.55%), Proteobacteria (9.02%), and Verrucomicrobiota (3.77%), representing 96.07% of all microorganisms. The main genera were UCG-005 (20.25%), UCG-010_unclassified (12.35%), Firmicus_unclassified (4.03%), and Rumino coccsea_unclassified (3.49%), while the main species were assigned to Bacteria_unclassified. Potential pathogens were also detected, which could be used as a reference for the protection of takin. Pseudomonas presented the highest abundance at Shuichiping and may represent the main pathogen responsible for the death of takin at the site. This study provides an important reference for investigating the composition of the bacterial community in the intestine of takin.