Local environment shapes milk microbiomes while evolutionary history constrains milk macronutrients in captive...

Area of Science:

• Comparative biology
• Microbiome research
• Primate lactation

Background:

• Milk is a vital source of nutrition and immune factors for infants.
• Milk's macronutrient and microbial composition is crucial for infant growth and microbiome colonization.
• Understanding factors influencing milk composition is key to evolutionary studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of host species and environment on milk macronutrients, microbiomes, and predicted microbial functions in cercopithecine primates.
• To determine whether milk composition varies more by host species or by housing facility.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of milk samples from four cercopithecine primate species across three facilities.
• Analysis of milk macronutrients (fat, sugar, protein).
• 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize milk microbiomes and predict microbial functions.

Main Results:

• Milk macronutrients were primarily structured by host species.
• Milk microbiomes and predicted microbial functions were strongly influenced by the housing facility.
• Rhesus macaque milk microbiomes at different facilities resembled facility-mates more than conspecifics at other sites.

Conclusions:

• The environment plays a significant role in shaping milk microbiomes and their functions, potentially impacting infant health.
• Milk microbiomes may be adapted to local environmental conditions, influencing infant development across species.
• This study highlights the complex interplay between host, environment, and milk composition in primate lactation.