16S rRNA amplicon library of equine fecal samples preserved via desiccation or freezing. feces metagenome

To collect and preserve microbiological samples such as feces or soil for downstream sequencing requires prompt freezing or immersion is bulky liquid preservatives. This is problematic when collecting samples in geographically remote or isolated locations. The current study was designed to assess the utility of a portable desiccant instrument to obviate the compositional changes occurring in fecal samples left at room temperature with no method of preservation. Data were generated from 16 equine fecal samples, split and promptly frozen, left at room temperature in a sealed container, or placed in the desiccant instrument. These data support the use of rapid desiccation of fecal samples for collection of field samples intended for downstream molecular analysis such as 16S rRNA sequencing.