Development of gut microbiota composition in captive Asian elephants: a year-long analysis

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Microbiology
• Animal Science

Background:

• Gut microbiota establishment is critical for elephant calf health and development.
• Early life microbial colonization is influenced by maternal milk and diet.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the transformation of the gut microbiome in captive Asian elephant calves during their first year.
• To understand the impact of maternal milk and dietary transitions on microbial colonization.

Main Methods:

• 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used for gut microbiota profiling.
• Samples included meconium at birth and monthly fecal samples from calves and mothers.

Main Results:

• Meconium showed diverse microbiota; richness declined by 3 months.
• Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and Bacteroidota were dominant phyla.
• Methanobrevibacter emerged around 7-8 months, declining by 11-12 months.
• Calf microbiota became more similar to adults but remained less diverse.

Conclusions:

• Gut microbiota development in elephant calves is a dynamic process.
• Dietary management is critical for promoting gut health and survival in calves.
• Findings provide essential data for captive elephant conservation and management strategies.