Abstract
Hybridization in bovines is practiced with the main aim of improving production performance, which may imply the microbial variations in the rumen from the parental breed cross to their progeny. Besides, the interactions of offspring breed with sex in terms of rumen bacteria are not clear. This study aims to evaluate the variations in rumen bacterial communities in different breeds and sexes, and the correlations among fattening performance, serum biochemical parameters, and rumen fermentation. Forty-two 19.2 ± 0.67-month-old beef cattle (390 ± 95 kg of initial body weight) comprising two genetic lines (Yiling and Angus × Yiling) and two sexes (heifers and steers) were raised under the same high-grain diet for 120 d. On the last two days, blood samples were collected from each animal via the jugular vein before morning feeding for analyzing serum biochemical parameters; rumen fluid samples were obtained via esophageal intubation 2 h after morning feeding for analyzing rumen fermentation parameters and bacterial communities. The results show that both breed and sex had a certain impact on fattening performance, serum biochemical parameters, and rumen fermentation. No differences in the diversity and structure of rumen bacterial communities were observed. Significant interactions (p < 0.05) of breed and sex were observed for Succinivibrionaceae UCG-002 and Prevotellaceae UCG-001. The relative abundances of the Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, Prevotellaceae UCG-003, and Succinivibrio were different (p < 0.05) between breeds. Heifers had a higher (p = 0.008) relative abundance of the Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group than steers. Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship (p < 0.05) of rumen bacteria with serum biochemical parameters, rumen pH, and rumen fermentation patterns. Additionally, only two genera, Prevotellaceae UCG-003 and Prevotellaceae UCG-001, had positive correlations with feed efficiency. In conclusion, serum biochemical parameters, rumen fermentation, and rumen bacterial communities are partly driven by the breed and sex of cattle fed a high-grain diet.
Highlights
This article is an open access articleFifty-five indigenous bovine breeds with nearly 30 million animals have been observed in China [1]
Multiple comparisons revealed that YL heifers had lower (p = 0.003) final weight than YL steers, whereas Angus × Yiling (AY) heifers had higher (p < 0.001) Average daily gain (ADG) than AY steers
Future research should use a metabolome approach to extensively determine the complex metabolisms in the rumen, serum, liver, and even beef, and more systematically evaluate their relationship with microbes. This is the first study evaluating the interactions of sired breed and progeny sex on rumen bacterial communities and the host’s phenotypic characteristics in beef cattle fed a high-grain diet
Summary
Fifty-five indigenous bovine breeds with nearly 30 million animals have been observed in China [1]. They are characterized by a small size, slow growth, inferior dressing percentage, etc. These characteristics have hindered the current beef market. The. Yiling (YL) breed is typically raised in the Yichang district, Hubei province. Yiling (YL) breed is typically raised in the Yichang district, Hubei province It was formerly selected as a draught animal, but this breed and its hybrids are bred only for beef distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons.
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