Identification and characterization of lactic acid bacteria from forest musk deer feces

The aims of this study were to identify and characterize lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from healthy forest musk deer (FMD) feces which have good potential to develop orally delivered probiotics applied in FMD. Eight LAB isolates were obtained from feces samples and were identified as Lactobacillus acidipiscis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus mundtii, Enterococcus durans and Leuconostoc fallax using morphology, physiology, biochemical and 16s rDNA PCR methods. Five strains were selected after safety and function tests which showed no hemolytic activity, no harmful indole and hydrogen sulphide produced, safety to KM mouse, growth inhibition to Escherichia coli (ATCC25922), Salmonella pullorum (CVCC527) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC29213), and no acquired resistance genes detected. The growth of five strains could not be inhibited by 0.9%2pig bile. Two Lactobacillus strains could survive at as low as pH 2.0. One L. acidipiscis strain and one E. durans strain could survive at as high as 70 degrees C. Five strai ns identified as L. acidipiscis, L. plantarum, Enterococcus faecium and L. fallax could be well suitable for developing an orally delivered probiotic. To our knowledge, this is the first time to isolate and identify LAB from forest musk deer feces and the characterized strains have good potential for developing an orally delivered probiotic to improve health condition of forest musk deer.