The gut microbiota of Zhedong white goose in different intestinal segments during development

Abstract

Intestinal microbiota plays critical roles in animal growth and health. To characterize the gut microbial spatiotemporal dynamics of Zhedong-white (ZD) goose, we performed 16S rDNA sequencing on duodenal, jejunal, cecal and rectal contents of ZD geese at 28, 56 and 70 days of age. Results showed higher microbial richness in the foregut (duodenum and jejunum) at day 28 and 56, whereas this pattern shifted at day 70. At days 28 and 56, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes dominated the foregut, while Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes accounted for over 90% of sequences in the hindgut (cecum and rectum). By day 70, bacterial composition became more homogeneous across all four intestinal segments, with Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes as dominant phyla. Differential microbes were identified among gut segments and developmental stages. PICRUSt functional prediction indicated carbohydrate and amino-acid metabolism were predominant across all ages and intestinal regions. Most metabolic pathways differed significantly between foregut and hindgut. This study illustrates the gut microbiota succession of naturally reared ZD white geese and provides theoretical support for performance improvement via gut microbiota modulation.