Isolation and identification of Lactobacillus species from donkey milk in the Azerbaijan region of Iran using 16S rDNA gene sequencing

The use of donkey milk is increasing due to its nutritional properties and lack of allergenic proteins. The present research was conducted with the aim of identifying native Lactobacillus bacteria. 3 samples of donkey milk were collected from Benab, Maragheh, and Naqdeh cities of the Azerbaijan region randomly and in heed with sterile conditions. The samples were cultured in MRS agar and specific tests were performed on the grown colonies to identify Lactobacillus. Molecular identification of the isolates was done based on the amplification of the 16S rDNA gene using specific primers and polymerase chain reaction. Lactobacillus species were analyzed by sequencing the 16S rDNA gene and drawing a phylogenic tree.  Based on PCR results, 3 isolates of Lactobacillus were detected. The results of sequence analysis showed that two isolates are highly similar to Lactobacillus plantarum and one isolate to Lactobacillus fermentum. Therefore, it can be concluded that Lactobacillus plantarum is the dominant species in donkey milk in the Azerbaijan region of Iran. Due to the probiotic potential of lactobacillus isolates from donkey milk, it is suggested to be used in the production of probiotic milk products.

Isolation and identification of Lactobacillus species from donkey milk in the Azerbaijan region of Iran using 16S rDNA gene sequencing Keywords:

Donkey milk , Lactobacillus species , 16S rDNA sequencing , Azarbaijan region of Iran