Abstract
Simple SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate the importance of the relationships among hosts, microbiota, and diet composition in dry dairy cows. Therefore, the composition of the rumen microbiome in cows from three dairy farms was investigated to identify core bacteria contributing to various physiological roles during rumen fermentation in dry dairy cows. Our results revealed that the ruminal fluid in dry dairy cows from different regional farms had core rumen microbiota that could be clearly distinguished from that of cows of the other farms.Most microbiome studies of dairy cows have investigated the compositions and functions of rumen microbial communities in lactating dairy cows. The importance of the relationships among hosts, microbiota, diet composition, and milk production remains unknown in dry dairy cows. Thus, in the present study, the composition of the rumen microbiome in cows from three dairy farms was investigated to identify core bacteria contributing to various physiological roles during rumen fermentation in dry dairy cows. The results indicated that ruminal fluid in dry dairy cows from different regional farms had core rumen microbiota that could be clearly distinguished from that of cows of the other farms. Further identification of key microorganisms associated with each farm revealed that Prevotella, Methanobrevibacter, Pseudobutyrivibrio, Ruminococcus, Bacteroides, and Streptococcus were major contributors. Spearman’s correlation indicated that the abundance of genera such as Prevotella and Ruminococcus in dry dairy cows could indicate milk yield in the previous lactating period. Functional pathway analysis of the rumen bacterial communities demonstrated that amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism were the major pathways. Our findings provide knowledge of the composition and predicted functions of rumen microbiota in dry dairy cows from regional farms, which underscore the importance of the relationships among hosts, microbiota, diet composition, and milk production.
Highlights
The rumen, the forestomach of ruminants, harbors bacteria, archaea, fungi, and ciliate protozoa [1].An indispensable function of these microorganisms is to break down plant polymers into volatile fatty acids through various fermentation pathways to be absorbed and used by host animals [1,2]
The results indicated that 24,390 valid sequences of bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes were obtained for analysis
The results revealed that the abundance of Prevotella with short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing microorganisms in dry dairy cows may indicate milk yield during the previous lactating period
Summary
The rumen, the forestomach of ruminants, harbors bacteria, archaea, fungi, and ciliate protozoa [1].An indispensable function of these microorganisms is to break down plant polymers into volatile fatty acids through various fermentation pathways to be absorbed and used by host animals [1,2]. The composition and function of rumen microbial communities are affecting growth and milk production but are related to the host health and nutrient utilization in dairy cattle [3,4]. The unique metabolites (e.g., saturated fatty acids, organic acids, amine, or polysaccharide) produced by rumen microbes may play a vital role in ruminant physiology [5]. Given the importance of rumen microbial communities on ruminant health and productivity, many researchers have attempted to manipulate rumen microbiota through various strategies, such as using chemical agents and enzymes as feed additives or probiotic supplements. Changes in rumen microbiota from exogenous factors can be rapidly restored by eliminating the influential factors [11], but little is known of the ecological and physiological roles of predominant core bacteria in the rumen microbial ecosystem
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