Gut microbiota analysis and comparison in forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) of different age stages and musk-secreting periods

The gut microbiota is closely associated with host health under normal homeostasis, undergoing co-evolution with the host through complex interactions to maintain mutually beneficial symbiosis. However, the dynamic changes of the gut microbiota of forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii, FMD) at different age stages and their corresponding whole musk-secreting cycle are still unclear. We analyzed the fecal microbiota of FMD using metagenomic approaches across four age groups (Juvenile, Youth, Midlife, and Elderly) and four periods of the musk-secreting cycle: BMSP (before musk-secreting period), DMSP (during musk-secreting period), AMSP (after musk-secreting period), and MC (musk collection).