Comparative analysis of the structure and function of intestinal Bacteria in wild and captive Tundra swans

Based on 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing technology, this study conducted a comparative analysis of the composition and functional differences of the intestinal microbiota between wild and captive tundra swans. The research found that the intestinal microbiota of the two groups of tundra swans were highly consistent at the phylum level, and the Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were both highly abundant in both groups, indicating that host genetic factors play a decisive role in the composition of intestinal microbiota. However, differences in diet and environment have driven significant microbiota differentiation, and the wild population presents a unique oligodominant microbiota structure. Functional analysis revealed that the wild population significantly enriched the pathways of "cofactor and vitamin metabolism" and "porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism". This study reveals the ecological mechanism by which tundra swans adapt to the environment through the interaction of "diet - microbiome - host", providing a scientific basis at the microbiome level for the protection and captive management of wild birds.