Exploring fecal microbial activity in zoo felids of varying body mass on a similar diet

Under human care, felids are typically fed similar diets, unlike wild counterparts whose diets vary by body mass and ecology. This study evaluated fecal microbiota and fermentation products in 18 zoo felids from Pairi Daiza Zoo, Belgium, grouped by body mass: under 100 kg ("small") and over 100 kg ("large"), with 9 animals in each group. Fresh feces were collected from the rectum under anesthesia.