Fig. 4

PCA (Principal Component Analysis) plots of bacterial genera relative abundance of 14 individual faecal samples clustered regarding collection and storage methods (Fresh, O24h, O7d) (a) or DNA extraction methods (PF, QIA) (b). The first two components explained 22.56% and 18.86% of the variance, respectively (A) and 23.10% and 18.62% of the variance, respectively (b). Faecal collection methods are represented by circle (●) for Fresh, square (■) for O24h, and triangle (▲) for O7d (a). DNA extraction methods are represented by circle (●) for QIA, and square (■) for PF (b); results determined by sequencing analysis