Characterization of gut microbiota in captive Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) and the limited effect of sex on intestinal microorganisms of tahrs

Abstract

Gut microbiota influences the health of host animals, and the effect of sex on gut microbiota in herbivores is less clear than that of other factors such as diet and age. In this study, we obtained data on the gut microbiota of Himalayan tahr for the first time. Eleven samples (seven females and four males) of Himalayan tahr were divided into two groups according to sex. The V3–V4 variable region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced; 189 genera belonging to 15 phyla were detected in the male group while 169 genera belonging to 15 phyla were found in the female group. Fecal microbiomes in tahrs were dominated by phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, which accounted for > 90% of the bacteria. The high Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (2.99) contributed to the metabolism of dietary fiber in the intestine and produced more short-chain fatty acids. A higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in male samples was determined, though non-significantly. In addition, bacteria associated with fiber digestion and energy absorption were higher in males than in females, which may benefit the energy metabolism of the males. Our results suggest that sex is not effective in shaping the gut microbiota, especially when the sexes inhabit the same environmental conditions.