Sequencing and analysis of gut microbiota in forest musk deer from Qinghai and Sichuan

Abstract:
The gut microbiota of animals is affected by different environment. This study was performed with the aim of investigating the environmental factors affecting gut microbiota of forest musk deer from Sichuan and Qinghai by highthroughput 16S rRNA sequencing technology. Α-Diversity results indicated that the species diversity of gut microbiota in forest musk deer from two areas was significant different. Β-diversity results further showed the significant differences occurred in their microbiota compositions. At phylum, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia were the main bacteria of forest musk deer from two areas. However, the relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia were significantly different between two areas. At genus, the relative abundances of Garciella, Brassicibacter Ornithinibacillus, Salsuginibacillus, Enterococcus , Sinosporangium, Agromyces, Proteocatella and Spirochaeta of forest musk deer from Qinghai were all significantly higher than Sichuan (p<0.05). The relative abundances of Geoalkalibacter in forest musk deer from Qinghai was significantly lower than Sichuan (p<0.05). Garciella, Brassicibacter Ornithinibacillus, Salsuginibacillus and Enterococcus were all with salt tolerance. The relative abundances of Sinosporangium and Agromyces were closely related to the soil environment. Besides, Proteocatella was affected by the temperature. In summary, the results indicated that the gut microbiota of forest musk deer from Sichuan and Qinghai were significantly different and might be effect of water salinity, soil environment and temperature.