Luteococcus sp. OSA5 Genome sequencing. Luteococcus sp. OSA5

Characterizing avian microbiomes has essential implications for the health and disease of the host organism and agriculture/industry. Ostriches (Struthio camelus) have a unique gastrointestinal environment complimentary to their predominately herbivorous, high-fiber diet. Unlike many other avian species, the ostrich relies on hindgut fermentation in an enlarged caecum and colon, where microbial communities play a crucial role in fiber degradation and nutrient absorption. There is a paucity of cultured organisms of gut-associated taxa in ostriches.