Evaluation of Bacterial Composition and Viability of Equine Feces after Processing for Transplantation

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been used empirically for decades in equine medicine to treat intestinal dysbiosis but evidence-based information is scarce. This in vitro study aimed at assessing the effect of a commonly used pre-FMT processing method on the bacterial composition and viability of the fecal filtrate. Three samples of fresh equine manure (T₀) were processed identically: the initial manure was mixed with 1 L of lukewarm water and chopped using an immersion blender to obtain a mixture (T₁), which was left uncovered during 30 min (T₂) and percolated through a sieve to obtain a fecal filtrate (T₃). Samples were taken throughout the procedure (Tn) and immediately stored at 4 °C until processing. The 16S rDNA amplicon profiling associated with propidium monoazide treatment was performed on each sample to select live bacteria. Analyses of α and β diversity and main bacterial populations and quantitative (qPCR) analysis were performed and statistically compared (significance p < 0.05) between time points (T₀-T₃). No significant differences in ecological indices or mean estimated total living bacteria were found in the final fecal filtrate (T₃) in regard to the original manure (T₀); however, relative abundances of some minor genera (Fibrobacter, WCHB1-41_ge and Akkermansia) were significantly different in the final filtrate. In conclusion, the results support the viability of the major bacterial populations in equine feces when using the described pre-FMT protocol.

Fecal microbiota transplants modulate the gut microbiome of a two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus)

The microbes inhabiting an animal's gastrointestinal tracts, collectively known as the gut microbiome, are vital to animal health and wellbeing. For animals experiencing gut distress or infection, modulation of the gut microbiome, for example, via fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), provides a possible disease prevention and treatment method. The beneficial microbes present in the donor's transplanted feces can help combat pathogens, assist in digestion, and rebalance the recipient's microbiota. Investigating the efficacy of FMTs in animal health is a crucial step toward improving management strategies for species under human care. We present a case study of the use of FMTs in a two-toed sloth experiencing abnormally large, clumped, and frequent stools. We used 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing of fecal samples to (a) compare the microbiomes of the FMT donor, a healthy, cohoused conspecific, and the FMT recipient and (b) assess the influence of multiple rounds of FMTs on the recipient's microbiome and stool consistency and frequency over time. In response to the FMTs, we found that the recipient's microbiome showed trends toward increased diversity, shifted community composition, and altered membership that more resembled the community of the donor. FMT treatment was also associated with marked, yet temporary, alleviation of the recipient's abnormal bowel movements, suggesting a broader impact on gut health. Our results provide valuable preliminary evidence that FMT treatments can augment the recipient's gut microbiome, with potential implications for animal health and management.

Effect of rumen microbiota transfaunation on the growth, rumen fermentation, and microbial community of early separated Japanese Black cattle

This study aimed to investigate the effect of rumen microbiota transfaunation on the growth, rumen fermentation, and the microbial community of Japanese Black cattle that were separated early from their dams. Here, 24 calves were separated from their dams immediately after calving, 12 of which were transfaunated via inoculation with rumen fluid from adult cattle at the age of 2 months while the remaining 12 were kept unfaunated (not-inoculated). Feed efficiency monitoring was performed during 7-10 months of age. Body weight and feed intake were not significantly different between the transfaunated and unfaunated cattle. Transfaunation increased the relative levels of acetate and butyrate but decreased those of propionate, which increased the non-glucogenic/glucogenic short-chain fatty acid ratio. Microbial 16S, 18S, and ITS ribosomal RNA gene amplicon analysis showed that rumen microbial diversity and composition differed between transfaunated and unfaunated cattle; transfaunation increased the abundance of acetate- and butyrate-producing bacteria, and decreased the abundance of bacterial genera associated with propionate production. Transfaunation also increased the abundance of Methanomassiliicoccaceae_group10 (1.94% vs. 0.05%) and Neocallimastix (27.1% vs. 6.8%) but decreased that of Methanomicrobium (<0.01% vs. 0.06%). Our findings indicate that rumen microbiota transfaunation shifts rumen fermentation toward acetate and butyrate production through a change in the rumen microbial composition in Japanese Black cattle.

Observational study of small animal practitioners' awareness, clinical practice and experience with faecal microbiota transplantation in dogs

To assess small animal practitioner's awareness of the relatively novel procedure of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in dogs and their practices, indications, experience and assessment of outcome of this in canine patients. An anonymous online questionnaire was distributed to practitioners in the UK and around the world, assessing demographics of respondents, their selection criteria for donors, their operating procedures and indications when performing FMT in dogs, as well as the observed outcomes. Analysis of results was descriptive. Data based on 155 responses from 13 different countries, 40% from primary care practices and 60% from referral hospitals, were analysed. The majority of respondents (71%) had never performed FMT. For the remaining, main indications were chronic enteropathy (64%) and parvovirus infection (21%), followed by other types of acute diarrhoea (15%). The most common mode of administration was via enema (79%) or endoscopically (55%), using fresh (76%) or frozen (46%) preparations mixed with saline/ water, while the amount administered was extremely variable. Median storage time of FMT was 90 days (range 1-180 days). 67% of participants routinely administer FMT more than once. Clinical response was mixed to good, with rare adverse events (n=4). 25 respondents (21.7%) wanted to start using FMT, while 45 (29%) wanted to continue or increase FMT administration for various gastrointestinal conditions. In conclusion, administration of FMT to dogs is currently rare amongst small animal practitioners, but generally follow current recommendations. Urgent consensus regarding donor selection and FMT application procedures for dogs is required.

Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of rumen transfaunation

Transfaunation is supposed to stimulate normal rumen function and has been used as an ancillary treatment for indigestion. Although it is widely recommended, there are little research data on the efficacy and the necessary volume.

The objective of the prospective clinical trial was the evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of two different transfaunation volumes which can be obtained under practical conditions.

Forty‐five cattle suffering from indigestion were included in the study. A scoring system for the classification of rumen fluid was used. Scores were given in accordance with the importance of the parameter as an indication of microbial dysfunction. Animals with disturbed rumen fluid composition and activity were randomly assigned into 3 groups. Group 1 received 1 L of rumen fluid, group 2 received 5 L of rumen fluid and group 3 (control group) received 5 L of body temperature water. Rumen fluid analysis was repeated on days 1 and 4 after transfaunation. The feed intake of the animals was recorded.

After the transfaunation of 1 L and 5 L, the rumen fluid score improved significantly from day 0 to days 1 and 4. Rumen fluid samples in the control group showed no significant improvement from day 0 to day 1.

No significant differences were observed between the two treatment groups. But significant differences between the improvement of group 1 and the control group on days 1 and 4 and significant differences between group 2 and the control group on day 1 were detected. Small volumes of rumen fluid are easily obtainable by stomach tubes fitted with suction pumps. In summary, the transfaunation of as little as 1 L of rumen fluid caused significant improvement in the activity of rumen flora in cows suffering from indigestion.

Equine faecal microbiota transplant: Current knowledge, proposed guidelines and future directions

While certainly not a novel concept, faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) has recently garnered renewed interest in veterinary medicine due to its remarkable success in treating recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in man. There is a dearth of information on indications and efficacy of FMT for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in the horse; however, based on evidence in man and other veterinary species, and anecdotal reports in horses, FMT may be a useful treatment for selected cases of acute and chronic diarrhoea and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the horse. In the absence of evidence, expert opinion is offered on case selection and FMT procedure. More research is needed to explore the efficacy, indications and optimal preparation, storage and delivery of FMT to horses.