Gut microbiota of homologous Chinese soft-shell turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis) in different habitats

Abstract Background Chinese soft-shell turtle ( Pelodiscus sinensis ) is an important commercial species for their high nutritional value and unique taste, but it has been a vulnerable due to habitat loss. In this study, homologous juvenile turtles were allocated lake, pond paddy field investigate the effects on turtles. Results The growth, morphology gut microbial communities monitored during 4 months cultural period. It showed higher growth rate of in pond. appearance, visceral coefficients, distinct among different habitats. community richness Chao1 was obviously lower initial guts from greenhouses, whereas relative sampled fields than ponds lake. Significant differences dominant microbes found subsequent samples Firmicutes most abundant phylum greenhouse initially, while Proteobacteria after cultivation habitats, followed by Bacteroidetes. composition habitats at 60d, appearance phyla genera more driven sampling time 120d. Both affected cultivation. functional predictions indicated that both type had significant metabolic pathways, especially amino acid carbohydrate metabolism. Conclusions could adapt natural lakes, artificial fields. abundance time. significantly diverse specimens those lakes. Rice-turtle coculture potential ecological economic farming mode plays roles wild protection food security.