Abstract
Simple SummaryThe ruminant microbiome is considered a specific ecosystem found within the gastrointestinal tract. A balanced intestinal microbiota is important not only for maintaining gut homeostasis, but also for regulating immune function and has a direct impact on the gut–brain axis. Factors, such as pregnancy, age, or genetics, can influence the microbial composition of the digestive system. The results of the study suggest that the parity, as well as the age of the animals, may affect the level of microorganisms in the digestive system.During pregnancy and parturition, the homeostasis of the body is disturbed, and the immune system is undermined, which is associated with hormonal changes within the body. Recently, it has also been suggested that physiological and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy may affect the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiome. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the composition of the microbiome in the third month of pregnancy in sheep in their first and second parity. Eighteen females in total were selected for the experiment, and they were divided into two groups: primiparous (aged 1 year) and multiparous ones (aged 2 years). The animals were fed the same fodder, and did not show any disease symptoms. Fecal samples were collected individually from each female (n = 20), and then bacterial DNA isolation and real-time PCR were performed for the main bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria) and families (Lactobacillaceae and Clostridia). The obtained results showed the differentiation in the microbiome between the primiparous and multiparous ewes with respect to the following groups: Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria—the level was higher in the case of the primiparas. These results suggest that the parity and age of the females may affect the gastrointestinal microbiome, but further studies are recommended.
Highlights
The ruminant microbiome is considered a specific ecosystem found within the gastrointestinal tract
Tenericutes and Actinobacteria are found in small numbers, which is caused by the plant diet of ruminants [4,5,6]
Studies conducted in recent recent years suggest that the composition of the microbiome may be influenced by years suggest that the composition of the microbiome may be influenced by hormones, hormones, sex hormones [21,22]
Summary
The ruminant microbiome is considered a specific ecosystem found within the gastrointestinal tract. The close relationship between the microbiome–digestive system–host influences the development and health status of the animal. In addition to the rumen, the large intestine is considered to be one of the most developed parts of the gastrointestinal tract in terms of microbiology, where the level of bacteria increases in the caudal direction [1,2,3]. Bacteria are the most numerous [4,5], followed by archaeons, fungi, and protozoa. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Fibrobacter phyla are most abundant. The most abundant bacterial phyla are primarily associated with fodder rich in crude fiber and polysaccharides [3,7]
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.