Characteristics and Differences in the Antler Velvet Microbiota During Regeneration

The study on sika deer antler velvet during regeneration analyzed microbiota samples from 15 deer at 15 and 30 days post-pedicle casting. It identified 2,659 OTUs, with significant differences in microbial composition between the two stages. The Half group had increased Staphylococcus, Romboutsia_B, and Dietzia, while the Full group had more Atopostipes, Psychrobacter, and Faecousia. These changes were linked to differences in arginine and proline metabolism, suggesting a role in wound healing and tissue regeneration. The study found 1,608 shared OTUs, with 130 unique to the Half group and 921 to the Full group, and noted distinct microbial community separation and metabolic pathway differences, highlighting the microbiota's role in skin regeneration.