Observation of Ruminococcus strains in captive Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)

Abstract

Asian elephant is indigenous to many countries including Thailand, but fermenter microorganisms in gastrointestinal tract of the elephant have not fully been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to observe the cellulolytic bacteria in Genus Ruminococcus in large intestines of captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). Fecal samples were collected from male and female sucklings, young and adult captive Asian elephants. Forty-four elephants were divided into 3 groups as followed: A) > 18 years old (n=24); B) 2-18 years old (n=17) and C) < 2 years old (n=3). The results revealed that there were 214 (42.8%) isolates of R. flavefaciens, 105 (21.0%) isolates of R. bromii, 90 (18.0%) isolates of R. obeum, 54 (10.8%) isolates of R. callidus and 37 (7.4%) isolates of R. albus from all fecal samples examined. Interestingly, Ruminococcus strains could be isolated from the weaned elephants, but were not found in the sucklings (p<0.05). In conclusion, cellulolytic bacteria in Genus Ruminococcus were isolated from the large intestines of captive Asian elephants. Moreover, the highest prevalence of the bacteria was found in the elephants aged more than 18 years old.