Metagenomic analysis of the intestinal microbiome in goats on cactus and -based diets.

BACKGROUND

The Peruvian coast is characterized by its arid and saline soils, the cactus being an alternative for arid soils and for saline soils. Therefore, it is necessary to develop nutrition based on the intestinal microbiota in goats.

AIM

To identify the intestinal microbiota in goats through a metagenomic analysis.

METHODS

In this study, goats and kids were randomly selected and fed cacti and as potential forage species compared to native grass to study the changes in the microbiota using massive sequencing using the 16S rRNA gene as a marker.

RESULTS

The sequencing results showed the taxonomic levels of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes at the phylum level as the most abundant in creole goats' microbiome, varying from 18% to 36% and 47% to 66%, respectively. At the genus level, variants of the genus stand out, related to cellulose degradation, as the most dominant in all samples, followed by , , and . Also, the genus appeared in greater abundance in kids fed with cactus, being necessary for being related to the intestinal mucosa's health and avoiding the adhesion of pathogens to the intestinal epithelium.

CONCLUSION

These microbiota changes based on diets with high fiber content are necessary to understand the adaptation of this species to favorable dietary changes.