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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota
Published on: July 31, 2019
Hindgut microbiota profiling and functional prediction of sheep (Ovis aries) fed with different dietary calcium
Muhammad Khan1,2,3, Xiaoqi Zhao1,2,3, Xiaojun Ni1,2,3
1Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.
Abstract:
Hindgut microbiota plays a crucial role in small ruminant health and productivity, with diet being a key influencing factor. This study aimed to investigate the hindgut microbiota profile and functional prediction in sheep fed with different dietary calcium levels. Thirty male Yunnan Semi-Fine Wool rams (10 months old, 40.37 ± 0.49 kg) were randomly assigned to three dietary calcium levels: 0.53% (Q_1), 0.74% (Q_3), and 0.98% (Q_5) on a dry matter basis. On day 21, fecal samples (n = 9/group) were analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing. Alpha diversity metrics showed higher species richness and evenness in Q_5 (p < 0.05), while beta diversity analysis (Bray-Curtis/UniFrac) demonstrated distinct difference between groups (PERMANOVA, p = 0.001). Taxonomic profiling identified Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes as dominant phyla (60-80% relative abundance), with Q_5 enriched in SCFA-producers (Faecalibacterium, Roseburia) and Q_3 favoring mucin-degrading Bacteroides. Differential abundance analysis confirmed these patterns, revealing significant enrichment of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010 and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes. Functional prediction linked these taxonomic shifts to metabolic specialization: Q_5 showed elevated butyrate production pathways (pyruvate fermentation: + 1.8 log2FC), while Q_3 had enhanced nucleotide biosynthesis (purine pathways, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that dietary calcium modulates hindgut microbiota, influencing metabolic pathways linked to energy production and protein synthesis, with potential benefits for sheep productivity.
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