Himalayan griffons gut microbiome

In this study, culture independent method, using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing on 28 fecal samples from eight flocks, was performed to investigate the gut microbiota composition and function traits. At the same time, the culture dependent method, using four types of media culturing 184 isolates, was used to study the antibacterial activity of gut beneficial bacteria. Integration of culture independent and dependent methods provides a more comprehensive picture of the Himalayan griffons gut microbiome. At the same time, the microbiome of different types of carrion and the fecal metabolome were also further explored in this study. The results not only provide new insights into the scavenging adaptation of the Himalayan griffons but also give information which is crucial for the conservation of this species.