Abstract
The early developmental phase is a critical window for feline growth, during which immature digestive systems are susceptible to microbiome imbalances caused by environmental stressors. Our research employed macrogenomic analysis to evaluate how complex probiotic formulations influence growth metrics and gastrointestinal flora in juvenile felines. Two dozen healthy kittens were equally divided into the control group and the probiotics group following a 5-day environmental adaptation phase. Fecal scores were recorded daily for all kittens. Fresh fecal samples were collected on days 1 and 14 for macrogenomic analysis. The results showed a significantly lower rate of constipation in the probiotics group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in intestinal microbial diversity or structure between the two groups. Metagenomic analysis revealed a higher relative abundance of Bifidobacterium animalis in the probiotics group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the probiotics group exhibited lower relative abundances of Lachnospiraceae bacterium 2 1 58FAA, Lachnospiraceae bacterium 1 1 57FAA, and Acidaminococcus intestini compared to the control group (p < 0.05). These results suggest that complex probiotics can regulate the intestinal microbiota, improve constipation, and promote intestinal health in kittens.