Effects of dietary nutrients of the gut microbiota in the long-tailed dwarf hamster (Cricetulus longicaudatus).

ABSTRACT

Gut microbiota is a key factor in maintaining the dietary and metabolic homeostasis of small mammals. To explore the effect of diet on the gut microbiota of the long-tailed dwarf hamster (Cricetulus longicaudatus), 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing combined with bioinformatics analysis was used to investigate the succession process of the gut microbiota and effects of different nutrients on the composition and function of the gut microbiota. The results showed that diet structure can significantly influence the composition and function of the gut microbiota, as well as the health of animals. The highest relative abundance of Firmicutes, and the simplest co-occurrence network occurred in the wild. Whereas the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes is higher and the most complex network structure was observed after 35 days of same feeding. Compared to the other four groups, the relative abundance of Firmicutes in the wheat + peanuts (WP) group was the highest after 35 days of different feeding, and the highest relative abundance of Bacteroidetes occurred in the wheat-only (WH) group. Bacteroidetes exhibit carbohydrate degradation activity, and Firmicutes are strongly associated with fat uptake. We also found a significant positive correlation between Lactobacillus and body weight, indicating that Lactobacillus plays a crucial role in modulating fat intake and weight management. This study provides empirical evidence to facilitate the understanding of the co-evolutionary dynamics between C. longicaudatus and their gut microbiota and establishes a theoretical foundation for utilizing gut microbiota in rodent control.