Different Non-Structural Carbohydrates/Crude Proteins (NCS/CP) Ratios in Diet Shape the Gastrointestinal Microbiota of Water Buffalo.

Rubina Paradiso,Angela Salzano,Esterina De Carlo,Giuseppe Campanile,Giorgio Galiero,Roberta Cimmino,Giovanna Fusco,Sergio Bolletti Censi,Giorgia Borriello

doi:10.3390/vetsci8060096

Abstract

The microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are crucial for host health and production efficiency in ruminants. Its microbial composition can be influenced by several endogenous and exogenous factors. In the beef and dairy industry, the possibility to manipulate gut microbiota by diet and management can have important health and economic implications. The aims of this study were to characterize the different GIT site microbiota in water buffalo and evaluate the influence of diet on GIT microbiota in this animal species. We characterized and compared the microbiota of the rumen, large intestine and feces of water buffaloes fed two different diets with different non-structural carbohydrates/crude proteins (NSC/CP) ratios. Our results indicated that Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the most abundant phyla in all the GIT sites, with significant differences in microbiota composition between body sites both within and between groups. This result was particularly evident in the large intestine, where beta diversity analysis displayed clear clustering of samples depending on the diet. Moreover, we found a difference in diet digestibility linked to microbiota modification at the GIT level conditioned by NSC/CP levels. Diet strongly influences GIT microbiota and can therefore modulate specific GIT microorganisms able to affect the health status and performance efficiency of adult animals.

Highlights

In ruminants, the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) play a crucial role in host health and production efficiency [1,2,3]
The aims of this study were (i) to characterize the different GIT site microbiota in water buffaloes, and (ii) to evaluate the influence of diet on GIT microbiota in water buffaloes during their dry period characterized by non-structural carbohydrate/crude protein (NSC/CP) of different ratios obtained with the addition of ensiled tomato peel
Our results indicate a difference in diet digestibility linked to microbiota modification at the GIT level conditioned by energy/protein levels (NSC/CP) during the dry period in water buffalo species

Summary

Introduction

The microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) play a crucial role in host health and production efficiency [1,2,3]. The GIT, the rumen, harbors a rich and diverse microbial community, which lives in a symbiotic relationship with the host. In this interaction, bacterial enzymes perform tasks not provided by the host genome, expanding the spectrum of metabolic functions and capabilities of the host. GIT microbiota strongly influence the development and maturation of the host immune system and can modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses [2]

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