Comparison on microbiota of different intestinal regions between hibernating and active

Daur ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus) were captured in Yanchi County, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. Two capture batches were included: Batch 1 was captured in July during the summer active period; Batch 2 was captured in mid-October, approximately two weeks prior to natural hibernation in the wild. Captured individuals were transported to the laboratory and individually housed in polycarbonate cages under ambient temperature and natural photoperiod. Animals had ad libitum access to mouse feed and washed carrots, with free access to water.