Comparison of Gut Microbiota of Yaks From Different Geographical Regions

Abstract

Gut microbiota are closely linked to host health and adaptability to different geographical environments. However, information on the influence of different geographical conditions on the intestinal microbiota of yaks is limited. In this study, 18 yak fecal samples were collected from three regions of China, namely Shangri-la, Lhasa, and Yushu, and were analyzed via high-throughput sequencing. The alpha diversity, as measured by the Shannon, ACE, and Chao indices, was the highest in the Shangri-la samples. Principal coordinate analysis detected significant differences in the composition of the intestinal microbiota of yaks from different regions. A total of six phyla, 21 families, and 29 genera were identified in the fecal samples. The dominant phyla in the samples were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, and the most abundant family was Ruminococcaceae. In addition, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 was the predominant genus and was more abundant in Yushu samples than in other samples. However, the predicted functional gene composition of the gut microbiota of yaks from different regions was similar. Our results revealed that geographical conditions influence the diversity and composition of the intestinal microbiota of yaks.

Comparison of Rumen Fermentation Parameters and Microbiota of Yaks From Different Altitude Regions in Tibet, China

“…As observed previously ( Zhang et al, 2016 ; Guo et al, 2021 ; Liu et al, 2021 ), Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the dominant taxa identified in this study. Guo et al (2020) reported that Bacteroidetes were the most important bacteria in yak rumen from birth to adulthood.…”

“…Taking into account those and the present results, it appears that yaks in the MAL group are more efficient at utilizing their pasture and emit less methane. As observed previously (Zhang et al, 2016;Guo et al, 2021;Liu et al, 2021), Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the dominant taxa identified in this study. Guo et al (2020) reported that Bacteroidetes were the most important bacteria in yak rumen from birth to adulthood.…”

“…Here, the PICRUSt2 result revealed that the function of yak rumen microbiota differed between the three regions. In contrast, Liu et al (2021) found a similar functional gene composition of yak intestinal microbes across the three regions, suggesting that the yak rumen may be more sensitive than the intestinal tract in terms of environmental adaptability. Due to limited experimental conditions, this study did not further explore how diet and extreme environment affected microbiota composition beyond the correlation with altitude.…”

“… Guo et al (2021) found that the fecal microbiota of yaks reflected seasonal dietary changes, allowing yaks to make better use of low-protein roughage. Whereas fecal microbiota composition of yaks differs across regions, its functional profile is more uniform ( Liu et al, 2021 ). The rumen is one of the most important digestive organs of ruminants and is characterized by an abundance of microbiota ( Guan et al, 2008 ; Khan et al, 2016 ).…”

Effects of Altitude on the Digestion Performance, Serum Antioxidative Characteristics, Rumen Fermentation Parameters, and Rumen Bacteria of Sanhe Heifers

“…Bacteroidetes members are the most important bacteria in the rumen from birth to adulthood, and Firmicutes members are crucial for energy conversion. They are important for the digestion of proteins and carbohydrates, respectively ( Liu W. et al, 2021 ). From the above results, the beta diversity between the LA and HA groups was also significantly different.…”