Comparison of the Gut Microbiota Composition Between Captive and Wild Roe Deer

Abstract

In this paper, 16S-rRNA gene Illumina HiSeq sequencing was used to analyze the structural diversity of captive and wild roe deer gut flora. The results show that the microbial diversity in the feces of wild roe deer is higher than in that of captive roe deer. Both roe deer have similar flora at the phylum level, but the main genus has significant differences. The microbial group that plays an important role in captive roe deer is Bacteroidetes; in wild roe deer it is Firmicutes. This difference is mainly due to the differences in living environment, diet, and physiological functions of the two groups. In conclusion, our study makes people have a better understanding of the intestinal flora of roe deer. By comparing the intestinal microbial structure differences between captive and wild roe deer, it provides theoretical basis for people to raise captive roe deer and provides reference for the protection of wild roe deer.\n\nIMPORTANCEMany studies have shown that large and complex microbes in the gut of humans and non-human animals, intestinal microbes are thought to co-evolve with the host, help the host acquire nutrients, regulate immunity and to help maintain host homeostasis. The roe deer (Capreolus spp.) is a ruminant. Wild roe deer are listed on the List of Terrestrial Wild Animals Protected by the State or Have Important Economic and Scientific Values, wild roe deer is also a Chinese national protected animal under second class protection. However, current research on the gut microbiota of roe deer has not been reported.