Observation of Ruminococcus Strains in Captive Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)

Authors

Nattawooti Sthitmatee
Pranisa Mahatnirunkul
Patcharaporn Keawmong
Anucha Sirimalaisuwan
Pinich Boontong
Suvichai Rojanasthien
Sumalee Boonmar

Abstract

Asian elephant is indigenous to many countries including Thailand, but fermenter microorganisms ingastrointestinal tract of the elephant have not fully been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to observe thecellulolytic bacteria in Genus Ruminococcus in large intestines of captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). Fecalsamples were collected from male and female sucklings, young and adult captive Asian elephants. Forty-fourelephants were divided into 3 groups as followed: A) > 18 years old (n=24); B) 2-18 years old (n=17) and C) < 2 yearsold (n=3). The results revealed that there were 214 (42.8%) isolates of R. flavefaciens, 105 (21.0%) isolates of R. bromii, 90(18.0%) isolates of R. obeum, 54 (10.8%) isolates of R. callidus and 37 (7.4%) isolates of R. albus from all fecal samplesexamined. Interestingly, Ruminococcus strains could be isolated from the weaned elephants, but were not found in thesucklings (p<0.05). In conclusion, cellulolytic bacteria in Genus Ruminococcus were isolated from the large intestines ofcaptive Asian elephants. Moreover, the highest prevalence of the bacteria was found in the elephants aged more than18 years old.

DOI

10.56808/2985-1130.2309

First Page

267

Last Page

272

Recommended Citation

Sthitmatee, Nattawooti; Mahatnirunkul, Pranisa; Keawmong, Patcharaporn; Sirimalaisuwan, Anucha; Boontong, Pinich; Rojanasthien, Suvichai; and Boonmar, Sumalee (2011) "Observation of Ruminococcus Strains in Captive Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)," The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine: Vol. 41: Iss. 3, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56808/2985-1130.2309
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/tjvm/vol41/iss3/2