Fecal Microbial Diversity of Gastrointestinal Health in Reintroduced Przewalski's Horses

Upon release into the wild, Przewalski's Horses undergo adaptation to diverse habitats and dietary patterns. These environmental shifts prompt adaptive alterations in fecal microbiota, yet render them vulnerable to gastrointestinal ailments, notably diarrhea. However, the interplay between fecal microbiota, hormones, and diarrhea in Przewalski's Horses remains largely unexplored. Through analysis of fecal samples, our study reveals substantial shifts in composition and diversity of fecal microbiota, alongside fluctuations in hormone levels during episodes of diarrhea in Mustangs. These findings underscore the potential significance of fecal microbiota and hormonal dynamics as contributing factors to diarrhea occurrences in Mustang populations.