Preweaning period is a critical window for rumen microbial regulation of average daily gain in Holstein heifer calves

Background Rumen bacterial groups can affect growth performance,such as average daily gain(ADG),feed intake,and efficiency.The study aimed to investigate the inter-relationship of rumen bacterial composition,rumen fermentation indicators,serum indicators,and growth performance of Holstein heifer calves with different ADG.Twelve calves were chosen from a trail with 60 calves and divided into higher ADG(HADG,high pre-and post-weaning ADG,n=6)and lower ADG(LADG,low pre-and post-weaning ADG,n=6)groups to investigate differences in bacterial composition and functions and host phenotype.Results During the preweaning period,the relative abundances of propionate producers,including g_norank_f_Butyricicoccaceae,g_Pyramidobacter,and g_norank_f_norank_o_Clostridia_vadin BB60_group,were higher in HADG calves(LDA>2,P<0.05).Enrichment of these bacteria resulted in increased levels of propionate,a gluconeogenic precursor,in preweaning HADG calves(adjusted P<0.05),which consequently raised serum glucose concentrations(adjusted P<0.05).In contrast,the relative abundances of rumen bacteria in post-weaning HADG calves did not exert this effect.Moreover,no significant differences were observed in rumen fermentation parameters and serum indices between the two groups.Conclusions The findings of this study revealed that the preweaning period is the window of opportunity for rumen bacteria to regulate the ADG of calves.

Rumen microbial degradation of bromoform from red seaweed(Asparagopsis taxiformis)and the impact on rumen fermentation and methanogenic archaea

Background The red macroalgae Asparagopsis is an effective methanogenesis inhibitor due to the presence of halogenated methane(CH_(4))analogues,primarily bromoform(CHBr_(3)).This study aimed to investigate the degradation process of CHBr3 from A taxiformis in the rumen and whether this process is diet-dependent.An in vitro batch culture system was used according to a 2×2 factorial design,assessing two A taxiformis inclusion rates[0(CTL)and 2%DM diet(AT)]and two diets[high-concentrate(HC)and high-forage diet(HF)].Incubations lasted for 72 h and samples of headspace and fermentation liquid were taken at 0,0.5,1,3,6,8,12,16,24,48 and 72 h to assess the pattern of degradation of CHBr_(3) into dibromomethane(CH_(2)Br_(2))and fermentation parameters.Additionally,an in vitro experiment with pure cultures of seven methanogens strains(Methanobrevibacter smithii,Methanobrevibacter ruminantium,Methanosphaera stadtmanae,Methanosarcina barkeri,Methanobrevibacter millerae,Methanorhermobacter wolfei and Methanobacterium mobile)was conducted to test the effects of increasing concentrations of CHBr3(0.4,2,10and 50μmol/L).Results The addition of AT significantly decreased CH_(4) production(P=0.002)and the acetate:propionate ratio(P=0.003)during a 72-h incubation.The concentrations of CHBr_(3) showed a rapid decrease with nearly 90%degraded within the first 3 h of incubation.On the contrary,CH_(2)Br_(2) concentration quickly increased during the first 6 h and then gradually decreased towards the end of the incubation.Neither CHBr_(3) degradation nor CH_(2)Br_(2) synthesis were affected by the type of diet used as substrate,suggesting that the fermentation rate is not a driving factor involved in CHBr_(3)degradation.The in vitro culture of methanogens showed a dose-response effect of CHBr3 by inhibiting the growth of M.smithii,M.ruminantium,M.stadtmanae,M.barkeri,M.millerae,M.wolfei,and M.mobile.Conclusions The present work demonstrated that CHBr_(3) from A.taxiformis is quickly degraded to CH_(2)Br_(2)in the rumen and that the fermentation rate promoted by different diets is not a driving factor involved in CHBr_(3)degradation.

Diet and monensin influence the temporal dynamics of the rumen microbiome in stocker and finishing cattle

Background Stocker cattle diet and management influence beef cattle performance during the finishing stage,but knowledge of the dynamics of the rumen microbiome associated with the host are lacking.A longitudinal study was conducted to determine how the feeding strategy from the stocker to the finishing stages of production affects the temporal dynamics of rumen microbiota.During the stocker phase,either dry hay or wheat pasture were provided,and three levels of monensin were administrated.All calves were then transported to a feedlot and received similar finishing diets with or without monensin.Rumen microbial samples were collected on d 0,28,85 during the stocker stage(S0,S28 and S85)and d 0,14,28,56,30 d before slaughter and the end of the trial during the finishing stage(F0,F14,F28,F56,Pre-Ba,and Final).The V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene of 263 rumen samples was sequenced.Results Higher alpha diversity,including the number of observed bacterial features and the Shannon index,was observed in the stocker phase compared to the finishing phase.The bacterial amplicon sequence variants(ASVs)differentiating different sampling time points were identified.Dietary treatments during the stocker stage temporally impact the dynamics of rumen microbiota.For example,shared bacteria,including Bacteroidales(ASV19)and Streptococcus infantarius(ASV94),were significantly higher in hay rumen on S28,S85,and F0,while Bacteroidaceae(ASV11)and Limivicinus(ASV15)were more abundant in wheat.Monensin affected rumen microbial composition at a specific time.Transportation to feedlot significantly influenced microbiome structure and diversity in hay-fed calves.Bacterial taxa associated with body weight were classified,and core microbiotas interacted with each other during the trial.Conclusions In summary,the temporal dynamics of the rumen microbiome in cattle at the stocker and finishing stage are influenced by multiple factors of the feeding strategy.Diet at the stocker phase may temporarily affect the microbial composition during this stage.Modulating the rumen microbiome in the steers at the stocker stage affects the microbial interactions and performance in the finishing stage.

Supplementation of Lycium barbarum residue increases the growth rate of Tan sheep by enhancing their feed intake and regulating their rumen microbiome and metabolome

Lycium barbarum residue(LBR),a by-product of L.barbarum processing,is packed with bioactive components and can be potentially utilized as a feed additive in animal husbandry.However,the fundamental understanding of its effectiveness on livestock animals is still lacking,particularly in ruminants.To explore the effects of LBR on the growth performance,rumen fermentation parameters,ruminal microbes and metabolites of Tan sheep,sixteen fattening rams(aged 4 mon)were fed a basal diet(CON,n=8)or a basal diet supplemented with 5%LBR(LBR,n=8).The experiment lasted for 70 d,with 10 d adaptation period and 60 d treatment period.The results showed that the LBR enhanced the average daily feed intake,average daily gain(P<0.05),and ruminal total volatile fatty acids(P<0.01)while decreasing ammonia-nitrogen concentration and rumen pH value(P<0.05).Additionally,the LBR improved the relative abundances of Prevotella,Succiniclasticum,Ruminococcus,Coprococcus,Selenomonas,and Butyrivibrio(P<0.05)and reduced the relative abundances of Oscillospira and Succinivibrio(P<0.05).The LBR altered the ruminal metabolome(P<0.01)by increasing the abundances of ruminal metabolites involved in amino acids(e.g.,L-proline,L-phenylalanine,L-lysine,and L-tyrosine),pyrimidine metabolism(e.g.,uridine,uracil,and thymidine),and microbial protein synthesis(e.g.,xanthine and hypoxanthine).In conclusion,LBR had positive effects on the growth rate of Tan sheep as well as on rumen fermentation parameters,rumen microbiome and rumen metabolome.

Repeated inoculation with rumen fluid accelerates the rumen bacterial transition with no benefit on production performance in postpartum Holstein dairy cows

Background The dairy cow’s postpartum period is characterized by dramatic physiological changes,therefore imposing severe challenges on the animal for maintaining health and milk output.The dynamics of the ruminal microbiota are also tremendous and may play a crucial role in lactation launch.We aim to investigate the potential benefits of early microbial intervention by fresh rumen microbiota transplantation(RMT)and sterile RMT in postpartum dairy cows.Twelve fistulated peak-lactation dairy cows were selected to be the donors for rumen fluid collection.Thirty postpartum cows were divided into 3 groups as the transplantation receptors respectively receiving 10 L fresh rumen fluid(FR),10 L sterile rumen fluid(SR),or 10 L saline(CON)during 3 d after calving.Results Production performance,plasma indices,plasma lipidome,ruminal microbiome,and liver transcriptome were recorded.After fresh and sterile RMT,we found that the molar proportion of propionic acid was increased on d 7 in the FR and SR groups and the bacterial composition was also significantly changed when compared with the CON group.A similarity analysis showed that the similarities between the CON group and FR or SR group on d 7 were 48.40%or 47.85%,whereas the similarities between microbiota on d 7 and 21 in the FR and SR groups were 68.34%or 66.85%.Dry matter intake and feed efficiency were not affected by treatments.Plasmaβ-hydroxybutyrate concentration in the FR group was decreased and significantly different lipids mainly included phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine containing polyunsaturated fatty acids.Hepatic transcriptomics analysis indicated acutephase response pathways were upregulated in the SR group.Conclusions Our study suggests that RMT can shorten the transition process of the ruminal microbiota of postpartum dairy cows with no benefit on dry matter intake or feed efficiency.Inoculation with rumen fluid may not be a useful approach to promote the recovery of postpartum dairy cows.

Postbiotics from Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation stabilize microbiota in rumen liquid digesta during grain-based subacute ruminal acidosis(SARA) in lactating dairy cows

Background Subacute ruminal acidosis(SARA)is a common metabolic disorder of high yielding dairy cows,and it is associated with dysbiosis of the rumen and gut microbiome and host inflammation.This study evaluated the impact of two postbiotics from Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products(SCFP)on rumen liquid associated microbiota of lactating dairy cows subjected to repeated grain-based SARA challenges.A total of 32 rumen cannulated cows were randomly assigned to 4 treatments from 4 weeks before until 12 weeks after parturition.Treatment groups included a Control diet or diets supplemented with postbiotics(SCFPa,14 g/d Original XPC;SCFPb-1X,19 g/d Nutri Tek;SCFPb-2X,38 g/d Nutri Tek,Diamond V,Cedar Rapids,IA,USA).Grain-based SARA challenges were conducted during week 5(SARA1)and week 8(SARA2)after parturition by replacing 20%DM of the base total mixed ration(TMR)with pellets containing 50%ground barley and 50%ground wheat.Total DNA from rumen liquid samples was subjected to V3–V416S r RNA gene amplicon sequencing.Characteristics of rumen microbiota were compared among treatments and SARA stages.Results Both SARA challenges reduced the diversity and richness of rumen liquid microbiota,altered the overall composition(β-diversity),and its predicted functionality including carbohydrates and amino acids metabolic pathways.The SARA challenges also reduced the number of significant associations among different taxa,number of hub taxa and their composition in the microbial co-occurrence networks.Supplementation with SCFP postbiotics,in particular SCFPb-2X,enhanced the robustness of the rumen microbiota.The SCFP supplemented cows had less fluctuation in relative abundances of community members when exposed to SARA challenges.The SCFP supplementation promoted the populations of lactate utilizing and fibrolytic bacteria,including members of Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae,and also increased the numbers of hub taxa during non-SARA and SARA stages.Supplementation with SCFPb-2X prevented the fluctuations in the abundances of hub taxa that were positively correlated with the acetate concentration,andα-andβ-diversity metrics in rumen liquid digesta.Conclusions Induction of SARA challenges reduced microbiota richness and diversity and caused fluctuations in major bacterial phyla in rumen liquid microbiota in lactating dairy cows.Supplementation of SCFP postbiotics could attenuate adverse effects of SARA on rumen liquid microbiota.

Effects of dietary Clostridium butyricum and rumen protected fat on meat quality,oxidative stability,and chemical composition of finishing goats

Background Clostridium butyricum(CB)is a probiotic that can regulate intestinal microbial composition and improve meat quality.Rumen protected fat(RPF)has been shown to increase the dietary energy density and provide essential fatty acids.However,it is still unknown whether dietary supplementation with CB and RPF exerts beneficial effects on growth performance and nutritional value of goat meat.This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary CB and RPF supplementation on growth performance,meat quality,oxidative stability,and meat nutritional value of finishing goats.Thirty-two goats(initial body weight,20.5±0.82 kg)were used in a completely randomized block design with a 2 RPF supplementation(0 vs.30 g/d)×2 CB supplementation(0 vs.1.0 g/d)factorial treatment arrangement.The experiment included a 14-d adaptation and 70-d data and sample collection period.The goats were fed a diet consisted of 400 g/kg peanut seedling and 600 g/kg corn-based concentrate(dry matter basis).Result Interaction between CB and RPF was rarely observed on the variables measured,except that shear force was reduced(P<0.05)by adding CB or RPF alone or their combination;the increased intramuscular fat(IMF)content with adding RPF was more pronounced(P<0.05)with CB than without CB addition.The pH24h(P=0.009),a*values(P=0.007),total antioxidant capacity(P=0.050),glutathione peroxidase activities(P=0.006),concentrations of 18:3(P<0.001),20:5(P=0.003)and total polyunsaturated fatty acids(P=0.048)were increased,whereas the L*values(P<0.001),shear force(P=0.050)and malondialdehyde content(P=0.044)were decreased by adding CB.Furthermore,CB supplementation increased essential amino acid(P=0.027),flavor amino acid(P=0.010)and total amino acid contents(P=0.024)as well as upregulated the expression of lipoprotein lipase(P=0.034)and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ(PPARγ)(P=0.012),and downregulated the expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase(SCD)(P=0.034).The RPF supplementation increased dry matter intake(P=0.005),averaged daily gain(trend,P=0.058),hot carcass weight(P=0.046),backfat thickness(P=0.006),concentrations of 16:0(P<0.001)and c9-18:1(P=0.002),and decreased the shear force(P<0.001),isoleucine(P=0.049)and lysine content(P=0.003)of meat.In addition,the expressions of acetyl-CoA carboxylase(P=0.003),fatty acid synthase(P=0.038),SCD(P<0.001)and PPARγ(P=0.022)were upregulated due to RPF supplementation,resulting in higher(P<0.001)content of IMF.Conclusions CB and RPF could be fed to goats for improving the growth performance,carcass traits and meat quality,and promote fat deposition by upregulating the expression of lipogenic genes of Longissimus thoracis muscle.

Effect of dioscorea opposite waste on growth performance, blood parameters, rumen fermentation and rumen bacterial community in weaned lambs

This study investigated the effects of dioscorea opposite waste(DOW) on the growth performance, blood parameters, rumen fermentation and rumen microbiota of weaned lambs. Sixty healthy weaned Small-Tailed Han lambs(male,(22.68±2.56) kg initially) were used as the experimental animals. Four levels of concentrate: 0(control, CON), 10%(DOW1), 15%(DOW2) and 20%(DOW3), were replaced with DOW in the basal diet as experimental treatments. The results showed that lambs fed the DOW2 diet had a higher(P<0.05) dry matter intake(DMI) than the other groups. There was no significant difference(P>0.05) among DOW groups in average daily weight gain(ADG), and replacing concentrate with DOW linearly or quadratically increased(P<0.05) the ADG, while lambs fed the DOW2 diet showed greater(P<0.05) ADG than the CON group. The relative plasma concentration of growth hormone(GH), insulin like growth factor-1(IGF-1) and insulin were affected by DOW, replacing concentrate with DOW linearly or quadratically(P<0.05) enhanced the plasma concentration of GH, IGF-1 and insulin, which was significantly higher(P<0.05) in the DOW2 group than in the CON, DOW1 and DOW3 groups. In addition, the DOW treatment showed a lower(P<0.05) concentration of blood urea nitrogen(BUN) than the CON group. Replacing concentrate with DOW quadratically decreased(P<0.05) the ruminal ammonia nitrogen(NH3-N) and increased(P<0.05) the total of volatile fatty acids(TVFAs) at 0 and 4 h after feeding as well as linearly decreased(P<0.05) the NH3-N at 8 h after feeding. Replacing concentrate with DOW linearly decreased(P<0.05) the propionate and increased the aceate before feeding, and linearly decreased(P<0.05) propionate and quadratically increased(P<0.05) the aceate at 4 and 8 h after feeding. Lambs fed the DOW2 diet increased the phylum Firmicutes and genera Succiniclasticum and Ruminococcus_1 groups, whereas decreased(P<0.05) the relative abundance of phylum Deferribacteres and genera intestinimonas and Ruminiclostridium. In summary, replacing the concentrate with 15% DOW was beneficial for improving the rumen fermentation and ADG by increasing the DMI and modulating the rumen microbial community.

Antimicrobial peptides act on the rumen the performance of castrated bulls

Background Many countries have already banned the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry,making it extremely difficult to maintain animal health in livestock breeding.In the livestock industry,there is an urgent need to develop alternatives to antibiotics which will not lead to drug resistance on prolonged use.In this study,eighteen castrated bulls were randomly divided into two groups.The control group(CK)was fed the basal diet,while the antimicrobial peptide group(AP)was fed the basal diet supplemented with 8 g of antimicrobial peptides in the basal diet for the experimental period of 270 d.They were then slaughtered to measure production performance,and the ruminal contents were isolated for metagenomic and metabolome sequencing analysis.Result The results showed that antimicrobial peptides could improve the daily weight,carcass weight,and net meat weight of the experimental animals.Additionally,the rumen papillae diameter and the micropapillary density in the AP were significantly greater than those in the CK.Furthermore,the determination of digestive enzymes and fermentation parameters showed that the contents of protease,xylanase,andβ-glucoside in the AP were greater than those in the CK.However,lipase content in the CK was greater than that in the AP.Moreover,the content of acetate,propionate,butyrate,and valerate was found to be greater in AP than those in CK.The metagenomic analysis annotated 1993 differential microorganisms at the species level.The KEGG enrichment of these microorganisms revealed that the enrichment of drug resistance-related pathways was dramatically decreased in the AP,whereas the enrichment of immune-related pathways was significantly increased.There was also a significant reduction in the types of viruses in the AP.187 probiotics with significant differences were found,135 of which were higher in AP than in CK.It was also found that the antimicrobial mechanism of the antimicrobial peptides was quite specific.Seven low-abundance microorganisms(Acinetobactersp.Ac1271,Aequorivita soesokkakensis,Bacillus lacisalsi,Haloferax larsenii,Lysinibacillussp.3DF0063,Parabacteroidessp.217,Streptomycessp.So13.3)were found to regulate growth performance of the bull negatively.Metabolome analysis identified 45 differentially differential metabolites that significantly different between the CK and the AP groups.Seven upregulated metabolites(4-pyridoxic acid,Ala-Phe,3-ureidopropionate,hippuric acid,terephthalic acid,L-alanine,uridine 5-monophosphate)improve the growth performance of the experimental animals.To detect the interactions between the rumen microbiome and metabolism,we associated the rumen microbiome with the metabolome and found that negative regulation between the above 7 microorganisms and 7 metabolites.Conclusions This study shows that antimicrobial peptides can improve the growth performance of animals while resisting viruses and harmful bacteria and are expected to become healthy alternatives to antibiotics.We demonstrated a new antimicrobial peptides pharmacological model.We demonstrated low-abundance microorganisms may play a role by regulating the content of metabolites.

Rumen microbial-driven metabolite from grazing lambs potentially regulates body fatty acid metabolism by lipid-related genes in liver

Background Lipid metabolism differs significantly between grazing and stall-feeding lambs,affecting the quality of livestock products.As two critical organs of lipid metabolism,the differences between feeding patterns on rumen and liver metabolism remain unclear.In this study,16S rRNA,metagenomics,transcriptomics,and untargeted metabolomics were utilized to investigate the key rumen microorganisms and metabolites,as well as liver genes and metabolites associated with fatty acid metabolism under indoor feeding(F)and grazing(G).Results Compared with grazing,indoor feeding increased ruminal propionate content.Using metagenome sequencing in combination with 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing,the results showed that the abundance of propionate-producing Succiniclasticum and hydrogenating bacteria Tenericutes was enriched in the F group.For rumen metabolism,grazing caused up-regulation of EPA,DHA and oleic acid and down-regulation of decanoic acid,as well as,screening for 2-ketobutyric acid as a vital differential metabolite,which was enriched in the propionate metabolism pathway.In the liver,indoor feeding increased 3-hydroxypropanoate and citric acid content,causing changes in propionate metabolism and citrate cycle,while decreasing the ETA content.Then,the liver transcriptome revealed that 11 lipid-related genes were differentially expressed in the two feeding patterns.Correlation analysis showed that the expression of CYP4A6,FADS1,FADS2,ALDH6A1 and CYP2C23 was significantly associated with the propionate metabolism process,suggesting that propionate metabolism may be an important factor mediating the hepatic lipid metabolism.Besides,the unsaturated fatty acids in muscle,rumen and liver also had a close correlation.Conclusions Overall,our data demonstrated that rumen microbial-driven metabolite from grazing lambs potentially regulates multiple hepatic lipid-related genes,ultimately affecting body fatty acid metabolism.

Evaluation of Holstein cows with different tongue‑rolling frequencies:stress immunity,rumen environment and general behavioural activity

Background The tongue-rolling behaviour of cows is regarded as an outward sign of stressed animals in a low welfare status.The primary aim of this observational study was to evaluate the association between the frequency of tongue-rolling behaviour and its physiological function.The secondary aim was to explore the relationship between general activities and the frequency of tongue-rolling behaviour of cows.A total of 126 scan sampling behavioural observations were collected over 7 d on 348 Holstein cows with the same lactation stage in the same barn.The tongue-rolling frequency was defined as the number of tongue-rolling observations as a percentage to the total observations per individual cow.According to their tongue-rolling frequency,the cows were grouped into the CON(no tongue-rolling),LT(frequency 1%),MT(frequency 5%),and HT(frequency 10%)groups.Six cows from each group were randomly selected for sampling.Serum samples,rumen fluid,milk yield,and background infor-mation were collected.The general behaviour data during 72 continuous hours of dairy cows,including eating time,rumination time,food time(eating time+rumination time),and lying time,were recorded by the collar sensor.Results Cortisol(P=0.012),γ-hydroxybutyric acid(P=0.008),epinephrine(P=0.030),and dopamine(P=0.047)levels were significantly higher in tongue-rolling groups than in the CON group.Cortisol levels and tongue-rolling frequency had a moderate positive correlation(linearly r=0.363).With the increase in tongue-rolling frequency,the rumen pH decreased first and then increased(P=0.013),comparing to the CON group.HT cows had significantly less food time than CON cows(P=0.035).The frequency of tongue-rolling had a moderate negative relationship with rumination time(r=-0.384)and food time(r=-0.492).Conclusions The tongue-rolling behaviour is considered as a passive coping mechanism,as the stress response in cows with high tongue-rolling frequency increased.Food intake and rumination activities were all closely related to the occurrence of tongue-rolling behaviour.

Production,purific tion,characterization and application of two novel endoglucanases from buffalo rumen metagenome

Background Lignocellulose biomass is the most abundant and renewable material in nature.The objectives of this study were to characterize two endoglucanases Trep Cel3 and Trep Cel4,and determine the effect of the combination of them(1.2 mg Trep Cel3,0.8 mg Trep Cel4)on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics.In this study,three nature lignocellulosic substrates(rice straw,RS;wheat straw,WS;leymus chinensis,LC)were evaluated for their in vitro digestibility,gas,NH3-N and volatile fatty acid(VFA)production,and microbial protein(MCP)synthesis by adding enzymatic combination.Methods Two endoglucanases’genes were successfully expressed in Escherichia coli(E.coli)BL21(DE3),and enzymatic characteristics were further characterized.The combination of Trep Cel3 and Trep Cel4 was incubated with lignocellulosic substrates to evaluate its hydrolysis ability.Results The maximum enzymatic activity of Trep Cel3 was determined at p H 5.0 and 40℃,while Trep Cel4 was at p H 6.0 and 50℃.They were stable over the temperature range of 30 to 60℃,and active within the p H range of 4.0 to 9.0.The Trep Cel3 and Trep Cel4 had the highest activity in lichenan 436.9±8.30 and 377.6±6.80 U/mg,respectively.The combination of Trep Cel3 and Trep Cel4 exhibited the highest efficiency at the ratio of 60:40.Compared to maximum hydrolysis of Trep Cel3 or Trep Cel4 separately,this combination was shown to have a superior ability to maximize the saccharification yield from lignocellulosic substrates up to 188.4%for RS,236.7%for wheat straw WS,222.4%for LC and 131.1%for sugar beet pulp(SBP).Supplemental this combination enhanced the dry matter digestion(DMD),gas,NH3-N and VFA production,and MCP synthesis during in vitro rumen fermentation.Conclusions The Trep Cel3 and Trep Cel4 exhibited the synergistic relationship(60:40)and significantly increased the saccharification yield of lignocellulosic substrates.The combination of them stimulated in vitro rumen fermentation of lignocellulosic substrates.This combination has the potential to be a feed additive to improve agricultural residues utilization in ruminants.If possible,in the future,experiments in vivo should be carried out to fully evaluate its effect.

Winery by‑products as a feed source with functional properties:dose–response effect of grape pomace,grape seed meal,and grape seed extract on rumen microbial community and their fermentation activity in RUSITEC

Background Grape and winery by-products have nutritional values for cattle and also contain functional compounds like phenols,which not only bind to protein but can also directly affect microbiota and their function in the rumen.We characterized the nutritional and functional effects of grape seed meal and grape pomace as well as an effective dosage of grape phenols on ruminal microbiota and fermentation characteristics using a rumen simulation technique.Results Six diets(each n=8)were compared including a control diet(CON,no by-product),a positive control diet(EXT,CON+3.7%grape seed extract on a dry matter(DM)basis),two diets with grape seed meal at 5%(GS-low)and 10%(GS-high),and two diets with grape pomace:at 10%(GP-low)and 20%(GP-high),on a DM basis.The inclusion of the by-product supplied total phenols at 3.4%,0.7%,1.4%,1.3%,and 2.7%of diet DM for EXT,GS-low,GS-high,GP-low,and GP-high,respectively.Diets were tested in four experimental runs.All treatments decreased ammonia concentrations and the disappearances of DM and OM(P<0.05)compared to CON.EXT and GP-high lowered butyrate and odd-and branch-chain short-chain fatty acids while increased acetate compared to CON(P<0.05).Treatments did not affect methane formation.EXT decreased the abundance of many bacterial genera including those belonging to the core microbiota.GP-high and EXT consistently decreased Olsenella and Anaerotipes while increased Ruminobacter abundances.Conclusion The data suggest that the inclusion of winery by-products or grape seed extract could be an option for reducing excessive ammonia production.Exposure to grape phenols at a high dosage in an extract form can alter the rumen microbial community.This,however,does not necessarily alter the effect of grape phenols on the microbial community function compared to feeding high levels of winery by-products.This suggests the dominant role of dosage over the form or source of the grape phenols in affecting ruminal microbial activity.In conclusion,supplementing grape phenols at about 3%of diet DM is an effective dosage tolerable to ruminal microbiota.

Assessment of the Effects of Supplemental Rumen Protected B Vitamins and Choline for Periparturient Cows: A Meta-Analysis of 28 Feeding Studies

There are currently no prescribed requirements for B vitamins or choline for dairy cows during the transition period, but many recent studies have shown a variety of benefits from supplying these nutrients to periparturient cows. The purpose of this research effort was to determine the potential benefit of including a rumen protected blend composed of B vitamins (riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin B12) and choline (RPBlend, Jefo Nutrition Inc., St. Hyacinthe, QC, Canada) for dairy cows during the transition period, based on results from 28 on-farm feeding studies (USA-12, Mexico-7, Canada-4, Chile-3, Australia-1, Brazil-1) conducted between 2011 and 2018. All farms participated in monthly herd management record keeping systems and were selected to participate in studies due to their excellent management. Meta-analyses in which risk differences were determined were used to assess the effects of the supplemental RPBlend on health parameters and reproduction. The effect size was used as the determinant of the possible contribution of RPblend on the yields of milk, energy corrected milk (ECM), fat and protein yields during the first four weeks of lactation. Results showed that the inclusion of RPblend reduced (P < 0.05) involuntary culling and mastitis by cows during the first 30 days after calving. There was a tendency (P < 0.10) for reduced retained placenta and metritis. The meta-analyses revealed that the risk of the displaced abomasum and milk fever did not diminish (P > 0.10) with the inclusion of the BPBlend. The incidence rate of subclinical ketosis, determined as blood beta hydroxy butyric acid greater than 1.2 mM was lower (P (than those not supplemented. The proportion of cows confirmed pregnant by 100 days in milk was greater for cows given the BPBlend (P < 0.05). Milk yield and ECM were greater for cows receiving the RPBlend (1.13 and 0.93 kg/cow respectively, P < 0.05). There was no change in fat yield (P > 0.10) while the yield of milk protein was greater (P < 0.05) when the cows received the blend. These results suggest that the inclusion of rumen protected B vitamins and choline can assist cow health, reproduction and production at the start of lactation.

RFLP Analysis of Methanogens mcrA Gene in Rumen of Cashmere Goat

[Objective] The aim of this study is to understand the population composition of methanogens in rumen fluid of grazing Inner Mongolian cashmere goat. [Method] Total DNAs of various bacteria in rumen fluid were isolated for PCR amplification using the specifically designed primers based on conservative mcrA sequence of methanogens; then mcrA specific clone library was accordingly established. The restriction fragment length polymorphism(RFLP) of the library was further analyzed by digestion of restriction enzyme Taq I. [Result] One hundred and five randomly selected specific colonies were classified into six RFLP types, among which the dominant type accounts for 38%, and other types account for 27%, 18%, 5.5% and 4.5%, respectively. [Conclusion] There are at least six different methanogens in rumen fluid of grazing Inner Mongolian cashmere goat.

Biological Characteristics and Rumen Microorganisms of Gayal(Bos frontalis)in Yunnan Province

[Objective]The paper was to provide reference for further study and development of gayal（Bos frontalis）.[Method]According to the research status at home and abroad,the biological characteristics and rumen microorganisms of gayal in Yunnan Province was studied.[Result]Gayal in Yunnan had typical body form and very good meat production performance,its muscle fiber diameter was significantly less than other kinds of cattle;the water holding ratio,muscle tenderness and muscle succulency were significantly higher than others;its amount,shape and structure of chromosome were different from yellow cattle（Bos taurus）and wild cattle（Bos gaurus）,and the amounts of those chromosomes（2n）were 58,60 and 56,respectively.It could create hybrid with yellow cattle;the gayal＇s special diet was bamboo,its in vitro dry matter digestibility（IVDMD）on various crude forage was significantly higher than yellow cattle in Yunnan;the viable bacteria and cellulolytic bacteria in rumen were 4.51×109 and 1.63×109 CFU/ml,which was significantly higher than yellow cattle in Yunnan,its dominant bacteria in rumen mainly was cellulolytic bacteria.[Conclusion]Gayal not only had high academic value,but also had a great development value.

Effects of Increasing Non-Fiber Carbohydrate to Neutral Detergent Fiber Ratio on Rumen Fermentation and Microbiota in Goats

Six rumen-cannulated lactating Guanzhong goats were used to investigate changes in ruminal fermentation pattern and the microbiota following a subacute rtmainal acidosis （SARA） inducing procedure. Induction of SARA was performed by increasing dietary non-fiber carbohydrate （NFC） to neutral detergent fiber （NDF） ratio from 1.02 （stage 1） to 1.24 （stage 2）, 1.63 （stage 3） and 2.58 （stage 4）. A dynamic pH monitoring system, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and conventional anaerobic culture were used to assess changes in ruminal pH and microbiota. Results indicated that rumen fermentation patterns changed significantly with increased NFC：NDF ratio. The decline in ruminal pH was caused by increased ruminal total volatile fatty acids （TVFA）, which was mainly attributed to a significant increase in ruminal butyrate, rather than the accumulation of ruminal lactic acid. In addition, in the course of SARA, the number of rumen microoganisms altered significantly, with increases in ruminal amylolytic bacteria, Lactobacilli, Streptococcus bovis and Megasphaera elsdenii, the latter particularly dramatically indicating that it may be the main factor responsible for the increase in butyrate, and decrease in protozoa.

Design and Research on Artificial Rumen Continuous Culture System

[Objective] The paper was to study the dynamic changes of forage nutrient substance fermentation in rumen, and a set of continuous culture system of artificial rumen was designed. [Method] With in vivo as control, the simulating rumen fer- mentation effect in vitro culture system was evaluated. [Result] The simulation rumen fermentation test needed adaptive phase of 2-3 d, and the fermentation state was relatively stable within 3-9 d, with good effects. The test showed certain regularity variation with index value of rumen in vivo. [Conclusion] The continuous culture sys- tem of artificial rumen could be used as the ideal model to study the rumen fermen- tation in vivo.

A Study on the Mechanism Regulating Acetate to Propionate Ratio in Rumen Fermentation by Dietary Carbohydrate Type

The research direction of our team is nutrition and physiology of ruminants, including dietary nutrition metabolism and rumen microorganisms. Previous research has shown that ruminal acetate-to-propionate ratio is related to diet utilization efficiency. At present, it is believed that the main factors affecting the ruminal acetate-to-propionate ratio are the degradation rate of the diet and the rumen microbial structure, but the main mechanism is unclear. This study found that the effect of ruminal acetate-to-propionate ratio was not affected by the concentration of the fermentation substrate, but was affected by the structure of the rumen microbiota. We believe that changes in the rumen microflora structure are the main mechanism for regulating the ruminal acetate-to-propionate ratio. This will help people to further understand the rumen physiology, thereby gradually improving feed conversion efficiency and reducing production costs. Abstract: In order to explore the mechanism by which diet regulates the acetate-to-propionate molar ratio (A: P ratio), we compared the effect on rumen fermentation parameters and the microbiome by altering the ratio of dietary concentrates to roughage ratio and calcium pyruvate infusion. The test animals were Laoshan dairy goats, and were fed continuously through an automatic feeder. The test groups were fed a base diet of low concentrates, and intraruminally infused with calcium pyruvate at two concentrations. The infusion concentrations were derived from the difference in the rate of carbohydrate degradation of the high and low concentrate diets, and they were artificially set such that the high concentration infusion group was infused with twice the concentration as the low concentration infusion group. The control groups were fed high concentrate (6:4) and low concentrate (3:7) diets, respectively. The following results were obtained by measuring rumen fermentation parameters and microbial composition: the rumen A: P ratio was significantly lower in the high-concentrate diet group than in the low concentrate diet group (P < 0.05). Infusion of low concentration calcium pyruvate had no significant effect on rumen A: P ratio (P > 0.05), while infusion of high concentration calcium pyruvate significantly increased the rumen A: P ratio (P < 0.05). Relative to goats fed the low concentrate diet, those fed the high concentrate diet had a greater abundance of microbes related to propionate production and a reduced abundance of microbes related to fiber degradation. Infusion of pyruvate had no significant effect on rumen microbial structure. The above results indicate that increasing the concentration of the fermentation substrate without affecting the composition of the microflora does not reduce the A: P ratio. Microbiological results showed that the A: P ratio was more closely related to the rumen microflora structure. Therefore, it is believed that rumen microflora structure is the main mechanism regulating A: P ratio in rumen fermentation.

The Role of Zinc, Manganse and Copper in Rumen Metabolism and Immune Function: A Review Article

Trace minerals are dietary elements required by the body in minute amounts, ranging from 0.10 to 50.0 mg/kg dry matter in beef cattle diets [1]. These trace minerals are all necessary for the biochemical processes of the body that support proper growth and maintenance. For example, Cu is necessary for the function of superoxide dismutase and its removal of toxic byproducts from metabolic pathways [2]. The removal of these toxic byproducts allows for metabolism to proceed efficiently, uninhibited by damaging oxygen free radicals. Zinc, an important trace mineral for enzyme function, aides in the regulation of nucleic acid production, carbohydrate metabolism, and protein synthesis, thus providing a stable framework for development [3]. The immune system is part of the host’s defense against destructive forces from outside the body, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, or from within, such as malignant cells or those that produce autoantibodies [4]. This system is composed of two branches: the innate or non-specific immune system, and the adaptive or specific immune system [5]. In this review paper, an attempt has been made to review effects of mineral supplements in Rumen Metabolism, effects on Immune Function in different species of animals.