Different artificial feeding strategies shape the diverse gut microbial communities and functions with the potential risk of pathogen transmission to captive Asian small-clawed otters ( Aonyx cinereus )

Abstract

Captive otters fed with different diets possessed distinct gut microbial communities and functions, with the enrichment of several pathogens and multiple resistance genes in their gut microbiota. The current artificial feeding strategies had the possibility to accelerate the colonization and proliferation of various pathogenic bacteria in the intestines of otters and the spread of resistance genes, increasing the risk of diseases. In addition, supplementation with commercial cat food had benefits for otters’ intestinal fermentation and the metabolism of gut microbiota.