Measurement of Metabolites in Feces of Japanese Rock Ptarmigans by LC-MS/MS

Japanese rock ptarmigans, designated as a special natural monument are listed as an endangered species by Ministry of the Environment in Japan. However, estimated population size dropped from 3,000 birds in 1990 to less than 2,000 in 2009. In situ and ex-situ protection programs to increase the number of Japanese rock ptarmigans were endorsed. Metabolites produced by intestinal microbiota are absorbed constantly from the intestinal lumen and carried to systemic circulation; they play a direct role in health and disease. To increase the number of Japanese rock ptarmigans, it is important to analyze metabolites.
In this study, metabolites in feces of Japanese rock ptarmigans under artificial raising and in situ protection at Mt. Kitadake (wild Japanese rock ptarmigans) were analyzed by LC-MS/MS.