This SOP provides guidelines for optimal rodent fecal sample collection and conservation practice with the scope of fecal microbiota characterisation by shotgun sequencing.
The protocol is based on storing the stool in a stabilizing solution. Our suggested buffer is the DNA/RNA Shield from Zymo research (See below in Storage section for instruction)
Step 1: Label tubes with date and time of collection and put on disposable gloves
Step 2: Take the rodent stool (3-5 pieces) and put in the tube containing the medium.
Step 3: Short vortex the tube with the sample
Step 4: Store the tube at -20C or -80C.