Exploring the saiga microbiome
The host microbiome is of growing scientific interest due to the emerging understanding of its role in health and disease. In my DPhil project, I will be studying the natural variation in the respiratory and intestinal microbiome of Saiga antelopes. To do this, I will collect both respiratory and intestinal samples from saigas over 4 seasons.
In this first expedition to Mongolia, I will however focus on the intestinal microbiome. I will collect 100 faecal samples at water points. To identify the droppings, camera traps will be used. The faecal samples will first be collected in DNA stabilisation solution. After the field work, I will extract the DNA and perform whole genome sequencing. Finally, I will establish a dataset of saiga microbiome and analyse the microbiome (wherever possible) with respect to host attributes (age, sex, general condition, coat colour, behaviour) as well as environmental conditions (vegetation, season, weather variables including temperature, precipitation, humidity, air quality, soil moisture, snow depth). With whole genome sequencing we will be able to detect even subtle community changes in the microbiome.
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