Composition and Role of Endobiont Infusorians in the Digestive Tract of the Manchurian Deer in Yakutia

Purpose: to study the composition and role of endobiont ciliates in the digestive tract of red deer living in Yakutia.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted on materials obtained from the forestomachs of animals delivered from the Amginsky ulus in December. In total, one animal was examined, from which two samples were taken. Microscopic examination of ciliates was carried out during the analysis of sample prints. Species affiliation, abundance and morphological parameters were determined.

Results. During the analysis, five species of endobiont ciliates were identified, including Entodinium fursa monolobum, Entodinium anteronucleatum, Epidinium ecaudatum and Eudiplodinium maggii, belonging to the genera Entodinium, Epidinium and Eudiplodinium. Of particular interest is the discovery of Entodinium anteronucleatum, specific to red deer, which makes it unique in the biodiversity of forestomach microorganisms. Comparative analysis showed the presence of common species of ciliates with cattle - Entodinium fursa, Epidinium ecaudatum, Eudiplodinium maggii, which may indicate the similarity of digestive processes in these animals, although in red deer they are more effective due to the limited food supply. Studies have confirmed the participation of endobiont microorganisms, especially microaerophilic organisms of the genera Entodinium and Eudiplodinium, in the processes of food processing, including coarse plant fiber. These processes play an important role in improving the quality and efficiency of digestion, as well as the availability of nutrients. Further study of endobiont microorganisms may have prospects for the development of new veterinary drugs aimed at regulating the composition and quantity of microflora and microfauna of the forestomachs not only in red deer, but also in other ruminants.

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