16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis of jejunal microbiota in yaks supplemented with Enterococcus faecalis JM263 under a high-concentrate diet

This study investigates the protective effects of Enterococcus faecalis JM263 on the jejunal microbiota of yaks challenged with a high-concentrate diet. The experiment consisted of two groups: 1) The Control Group (HCD), fed a high-concentrate diet with a concentrate-to-forage ratio of 70:30; and 2) The Experimental Group (EFA), fed the same high-concentrate diet supplemented with Enterococcus faecalis JM263. Jejunum contents were collected immediately after slaughter. Total genomic DNA was extracted from the jejunal samples using the CTAB/SDS method. The hypervariable regions (e.g., V3-V4) of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene were amplified using specific barcoded primers. The libraries were sequenced on the Illumina platform to analyze the microbial composition and diversity.