Composition of intestinal ciliates and bacteria excreted in feces of the race-horse.

Abstract
The ciliate fauna and bacterial flora excreted in feces of 60 race-horses belonging to the Japan Racing Association [Japan] were surveyed. Seven classes of ciliate protozoan, including 49 spp. belonging to 22 genera, were identified. Of them, 5 spp. were newly recorded in Japan. The average number of ciliates was 9.03 .times. 104/ml; this value was age-independent. The average number of ciliate species was 21; this value was also age-independent. A significant correlation (P < 0.001) was recognized between the incidence and number of ciliate genera and species. The ciliates occurring with high population density tended to distribute widely among horses. The average number of bacteria was 1.23 .times. 1010/ml; gram-negative rods were most predominant, followed by gram-positive cocci.

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