Work

Effects of Wall-broken yeast powder on gut microbiota and serum metabolome in captive forest musk deer (Moschus bere-zovskii)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Forest musk deer ( Moschus berezovskii ), a nationally protected species, has experienced a rapid population decline, highlighting the need to improve captive breeding strategies. Captive individuals are more susceptible to gastrointestinal disorders than wild individuals, making dietary regulation important for intestinal health. Wall-broken yeast (BWY) powder, has attracted increasing attention as a functional feed additive due to its potential roles in regulating intestinal health, microbial composition, and host metabolism. This study evaluated the effects of wall-broken yeast powder on gut microbiota, and serum metabolome in forest musk deer. Fourteen healthy male forest musk deer aged 4.5 years, were randomly assigned to two groups ( n = 7). The CK group was fed a basal diet, whereas the BWY group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 15 g/kg DM wall-broken yeast powder for a 7 d adaptation period and a 30 d experimental period. 16S rDNA sequencing showed that BWY supplementation altered gut microbial c ommunity structure based on β-diversity analysis, with Ruminobacter , UCG-005, and Bacteroides showing increased relative abundance in the BWY group. Serum metabolomics identified 69 differential metabolites between the CK and BWY groups (VIP > 1 and P < 0.05), with upregulated metabolites mainly enriched in amino acids and their metabolites, hormones and hormone-related substances, and glycerophospholipids. Key metabolic pathways included ABC transporters, glycerophospholipid metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, and β-alanine metabolism. Correlation analysis showed that Prevotellaceae_UCG-004 was positively associated with serum salidroside levels, whereas Ruminobacter was positively correlated with quinolinic acid, Lys-Gly, Gly-Lys, and Cyclo(Pro-Leu) levels ( P < 0.05). Overall, wall-broken yeast powder supplementation may modulate gut microbial composition and affect amino acid metabolism in forest musk deer.

Source: Frontiers in Veterinary Science

DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1978027