Microbial Diversity and Antimicrobial-Resistant Profiles of Bacterial Communities in Goats and Sheep
Abstract
Animal production farms are significant sources of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens and genes, but there's a lack of understanding regarding antimicrobial resistance in small-scale farms. This study gathered 137 fecal samples from goat and sheep farms to investigate antimicrobial resistance and microbial diversity. Using a culture-dependent approach, the study identified prevalent bacteria such as E. coli (94.9%), S. aureus (91.3%), S. saprophyticus (81.0%), Shigella spp. (35.0%), and Salmonella spp. (3.0%). High resistance was observed against ampicillin (79.4%) and cephalothin (70.6%). Culture-independent results revealed that the dominant phyla in the fecal samples were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Spirochaetes. The α-diversity indices indicated similar microbial diversity regardless of sample type or farm location. However, β-diversity analysis demonstrated significant differences in microbial diversity by sample type and farm location, highlighting substantial variation in microbial community composition. The study underscores the need to explore further the prevalent microbes and resistant genes in these animal communities and their environments. Understanding the extent of resistant bacteria and microbial diversity in goat and sheep populations is vital for informed decision-making in livestock management, disease control, and sustainable agriculture. This knowledge is essential for enhancing the health, productivity, and well-being of these animals and ensuring the safety of food products derived from them.
Subject Area
Food Science|Animal sciences
Recommended Citation
Ashesh Basnet,
"Microbial Diversity and Antimicrobial-Resistant Profiles of Bacterial Communities in Goats and Sheep"
(2023).
ETD Collection for Tennessee State University.
Paper AAI30694151.
https://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI30694151