Rumen Of Goats Research Articles

Transcriptomic Profiling of Circular RNAs in the Goat Rumen During Fetal and Prepubertal Period

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are key regulatory factors with vital functions in various biological activities. However, little has been reported concerning the genetic regulation of circRNAs during rumen development in goats. The aim of this study was to identify the genome-wide expression profiles of circRNAs in the rumen of goats during fetal development and before and after weaning. Histological morphology showed that from the fetal period (days 60 and 135 of gestation) to the prepuberal period (days 60 and 150 of age) the rumen papilla developed gradually, and the thickness of the rumen muscular layer increased. A total of 11,149 circRNAs were identified in the four development stages by RNA-sequencing. From this, 1,518 were differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs). Fifty-eight DECs were up-regulated from 60 to 135 days of gestation, and 93 from day 135 of pregnancy to 30 days after birth. A large proportion (598) of DECs were down-regulated from day 135 of gestation to 30 days after birth. The expression levels of six randomly selected circRNAs were validated by qPCR, and their back-splicing junction (BSJ) sites were also confirmed. Ontology and pathway analyses revealed that the parental genes of DECs were mainly involved in the signaling pathways related to cell proliferation and apoptosis. The interaction network of circRNAs with their target miRNAs showed its involvement in cell proliferation and apoptosis signaling pathways. In conclusion, we identified the genome-wide expression profiles of circRNAs in the rumen of goats during fetal development and before and after weaning. These results provide a basis for further study on the regulatory effect of circRNAs on the development of rumen tissues.

Rumen and Liver Fluke Infections in Sheep and Goats in Northern and Southern Germany

Simple SummaryLittle is known about the distribution of rumen and liver flukes in sheep and goats in Germany or about the occurring rumen fluke species. These fluke infections can be detected by the parasite’s eggs in the host animal’s feces. Therefore, fecal samples from 223 sheep farms and 143 goat farms from northern and southern Germany were examined. The eggs of rumen flukes were detected on 2.2% of the samples, the eggs of common liver flukes on 2.7%, and the eggs of small liver flukes on 21.1% of the examined sheep farms. The rumen flukes were identified as the emerging species Calicophoron daubneyi. No rumen fluke eggs were detected on any of the goat farm samples, but common and small liver fluke eggs were detected in 5.6% and 7.0% of the goat herds, respectively. Differences in the geographical distribution of rumen and liver flukes between and within the two regions were identified. Rumen flukes were more frequently found in the north, while the two liver fluke species were more frequently found in the south of Germany. Sheep sharing the pasture with other ruminants were more likely to be infected with rumen flukes.Paramphistomidosis has recently been identified as an emerging parasitosis in Europe. This study estimated the prevalence of rumen flukes, Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum, in small ruminants in Germany and identified occurring rumen fluke species and potential predictors for fluke infections. Pooled fecal samples from 223 sheep farms and 143 goat farms in northern and southern Germany were examined by the sedimentation technique, and molecular species identification was performed on rumen-fluke-positive samples. In sheep, a flock prevalence of 2.2% was detected for rumen flukes. Calicophoron daubneyi was identified on four of five positive farms, while species identification failed in one flock. No rumen fluke eggs were detected in the examined goat herds. F. hepatica eggs were detected in 2.7% of the sheep flocks, while the herd prevalence was 5.6% in goats. Higher prevalence values of 21.1% (sheep) and 7.0% (goats) were observed for D. dendriticum. Mixed grazing with other ruminants and previously identified infections with rumen flukes and/or F. hepatica were identified as predictors for paramphistomidosis. The distribution of the three trematode species followed a geographical pattern associated with conditions favoring the relevant intermediate hosts. C. daubneyi is an established parasite in German sheep at a currently low prevalence.

Phenotypic Detection of Cellulose Hydrolysing Bacteria from the Rumen of Cow and Goat in Bauchi Metropolis

Background of Study: Rumen microorganisms are involved in the fermentation of substrates contained in the diet of the animals. Research on the isolation and identification of cellulase enzyme-producing bacteria is still widespread. Biodegradation by cellulolytic bacteria found in rumen can be used as a source of cellulolytic bacteria which will function to degrade fibrous feed material so as to increase quality of nutrition and digestibility of ingredients at a cheaper price than the use of commercial cellulase production.
 Aim: To isolate and characterize bacteria from animals’ rumen for their ability to hydrolyze cellulose.
 Place and Duration of Study: Conducted at the Microbiology Laboratory of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Bauchi state, Nigeria, between April to July, 2021.
 Methods: Rumen of cows and goats was sliced and randomly swabbed with a swab stick. They were then inoculated on Nutrient and MacConkey agar media. The plates were then incubated aerobically and anaerobically for 24 hours at 37oC. The resulting colonies that developed after the incubation period was purified and maintained on agar slants for further characterization. Pure isolates were then sub-cultured on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) plates and then incubated aerobically and anaerobically for seven days to test their ability to hydrolyze cellulose which was indicated by the appearance of clear zones around the colonies of the organisms. Secreted cellulase by the bacteria was further observed by colouring of the medium using Congo-red 0.3%.
 Results: A total of 95 bacterial species isolated and characterized from rumen of cow and goat to test their ability to hydrolyze cellulose out of which 52 hydrolyzed celluloses after growing them on cellulose as seen by zone of clearance around the isolates. The isolates include Bacillus subtilis (28.8%), Bacillus licheniformis (27.0%), Yersinia enterocolitica (9.6%), Micrococcus sp. (5.8%), Salmonella sp. (11.5%), Pseudomonas sp. (3.8%) and Streptococcus sp. (13.5%). 
 Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potentiality of local strains of bacteria isolated from ruminants to hydrolyze cellulose. Proofs based on zone of clearance in cellulose led to the conclusion that the rumen of ruminants contains various microorganisms that can breakdown cellulose.

FIBER FRACTION OF KEPOK BANANA PEEL FLOUR (Musa paradisiaca) FERMENTED BY GOAT RUMENT FLUIDS


 
 
 This experiment was conducted to evaluate the fiber fraction of banana peel meal fermented by goat rumen flu- id. The experimental design used was completely randomized design with four treatments and six replicates. Four treatments were CR0: kepok banana peel meal + 0% goat rumen fluid, CR30: kepok banana peel meal + 30% goat rumen fluid, CR40: kepok banana peel meal + 40% goat rumen fluid, CR50: kepok banana peel meal + 50 % goat rumen fluid. This fermentation process during seven days. The variables observed were NDF, ADF, hemycellulosa, cellulose, and lignin. The data on the fiber fraction of banana peel meal was analyzed by analysis of variance and continued with Duncan s multiple range tests. NDF, ADF, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin of banana peel meal fermented by goat rumen fluid was lower than that without goat rumen fluid. The conclusion in this study was that the use of 30% goat rumen fluid contained ADF of 31.84%, NDF of 45.03%, cellulose of 13.27% and hemicellulose of 13.53% of kepok banana peel meal.
 
 

Isolation and characterization of sulphate reducing bacteria from goat rumen and its inclusion to improve in vitro feed fermentation

In the present study sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) were isolated from the rumen of goats fed a diet of wheat straw and concentrate in 50:50 ratio using specific medium followed by phenotypic and phylogenetic characterization. Based on the biochemical characteristics, four best SRB isolates were evaluated for their efficacy to reduce in vitro CH4 production and stimulate fibre digestion. It was found that true dry matter digestibility (IVTD) and production of metabolites were higher but methane emission was low by inclusion of live culture of SRB4 isolate as compared to control. Sequencing of 16S rDNA revealed 99% homology of SRB4 with Streptococcus caviae strain NR156902. The isolate also exhibited expression of dissimilatory sulphite reductase gene (dsR) gene substantiating sulphate reducing ability of the isolate. The results indicate the ability of SRB4 to reduce in vitro CH4 emissions and improve fibre digestibility, hence can be explored as an effective candidate for microbial feed additive to modify rumen fermentation, so that enteric methane production can be controlled.

Antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Salvia officinalis essential oils and their effects on In vitro feed fermentation with goat rumen liquor

The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition, the antioxidant and antibacterial capacities of Salvia officinalis essential oils (SOEO) as well as its effects on in vitro rumen fermentation of oat hay and methane emission using goat rumen liquor. Essential oils samples were obtained from the aerial parts of the plant and analyzed by GC-MS. The kinetics of gas production from oat hay powder containing different doses of SOEO (0, 10, 20, 40, 60 and 80 |g/mL) was conducted. A total of 29 compounds in SOEO were identified and the principal were: eucalyptol (21.08%), bicyclo hexan-3-one (16.53%) and β-pinene (11.28%). In addition, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test showed that SOEO had antioxidant capacity. The SOEO had a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against the bacteria tested. In the present study, inclusion of SOEO at 10 µg/mL level had positive effects on in vitro OMD, ME and VFA production. However, the production of methane (CH4) decreased in a dose-dependent manner at, the doses higher than 10 µg/mL. These findings suggested that SOEO had antioxidant and antibacterial activity and can be explored as antimethanogenic agent to control the methane production from enteric fermentation.

Understanding the Role of Prevotella Genus in the Digestion of Lignocellulose and Other Substrates in Vietnamese Native Goats' Rumen by Metagenomic Deep Sequencing.

Simple SummaryPrevotella is an abundant genus which plays an important role for lignocellulose digestion in goat rumen and is significant to the yield and quality of milk and meat in cows. In a previous study, we sequenced bacterial metagenome from Vietnamese native goat rumen to get 8.4 GB clean data and found very diverse genes related to lignocellulose degradation. However, due to the limitation in the metagenomic size, low amount of complete lignocellulase genes, and high bacterial diversity, further analysis was restricted. In this study, metagenomic deep sequencing was used to obtain 48.66 GB of reliable data, thus some lignocellulolytic enzymes were first seen and a picture of bacterial enzymes involved in lignocellulose digestion in the goat rumen was drawn. The loci for galactan-, xylan-, and arabinan-processing in Prevotella were observed for the first time. We confirm that Prevotella plays pivotal role for hemicellulose digestion and significantly participates in starch, cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin conversion in the goat rumen. A gene coding endoxylanase was expressed in E. coli. The recombinant enzyme was tolerant with some salts, detergents, and had high activity, thus is a good candidate for lignocellulose processing and as an animal feed food additive to effectively improve xylooligosaccharide production.Bacteria in rumen play pivotal roles in the digestion of nutrients to support energy for the host. In this study, metagenomic deep sequencing of bacterial metagenome extracted from the goats’ rumen generated 48.66 GB of data with 3,411,867 contigs and 5,367,270 genes. The genes were mainly functionally annotated by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Carbohydrate-Active enZYmes (CAZy), and HMMER database, and taxonomically classified by MEGAN. As a result, 65,554 genes encoding for 30 enzymes/proteins related to lignocellulose conversion were exploited, in which nine enzymes were seen for the first time in goat rumen. Prevotella was the most abundant genus, contributing 30% hemicellulases and 36% enzymes/proteins for lignocellulose pretreatment, and supporting 98.8% of feruloyl esterases and 71.7% acetylxylan esterases. In addition, 18 of the 22 most lignocellulose digesting- potential contigs belonged to Prevotella. Besides, Prevotella possessed many genes coding for amylolytic enzymes. One gene encoding for endoxylanase was successfully expressed in E. coli. The recombinant enzyme had high Vmax, was tolerant to some salts and detergents, worked better at pH 5.5–6.5, temperature 40–50 °C, and was capable to be used in practices. Based on these findings, we confirm that Prevotella plays a pivotal role for hemicellulose digestion and significantly participates in starch, cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin digestion in the goat rumen.

Development of Protocol for Lyophilization of Goat Rumen Fluid

Background: Rumen fluid has been used as microbial inoculum to treat indigestion in ruminant animals and to conduct in vitro rumen fermentation experiments. Lyophilization of the goat rumen fluid will provide continuous supply of rumen inoculums either for laboratory studies or for transfaunation in treating digestive disorders sequelae to high grain rations. However, no standard protocol is available for lyophilizing goat rumen fluid. Hence, this study was designed to develop a protocol to lyophilize goat rumen fluid as an alternate source for fresh goat rumen fluid. Methods: The study was conducted using 5 × 3 × 3 factorial design with four different cryoprotectants viz., 10% skim milk powder, 10% skim milk powder + 5% sodium glutamate, 5% glycerol, 5% DMSO and no cryoprotectant, at three pre freezing (2, 24 and 48 hours) and three freeze drying (8, 24 and 32 hours) time intervals to standardize protocol for lyophilizing goat rumen fluid. The viability of rumen microbes in the “lyophilized goat ruminal inoculum”, was determined via in vitro gas production study. Result: Pre freezing (-80°C deep freezer) duration of 48 hours with 32 hours of time duration in lyophilizer (-45°C) was ideal for lyophilizing goat rumen fluid with or without the addition of various cryoprotectants. Glycerol used at 5% as cryoprotectant resulted in significantly (P less than 0.05) highest gas production at all (12, 24 and 48) incubation hours studied indicating better viability of rumen microbes.

PSII-B-24 Use of the Elnady technique of tissue preservation to preserve specimens for use in undergraduate animal science courses

Abstract The use of tissue specimens for undergraduate instruction is a very valuable tool. However, fresh tissue specimens are not always available and many common preservation techniques can result in discoloration, offensive odors, and/or dangerous chemical residues. The Elnady Technique was developed as a means to produce tissue specimens that “are realistic, durable, have no offensive odor, and are dry, soft and flexible” (Elnady, F.A. 2016 The Elnady Technique: An innovative, new method for tissue preservation. Altex. 33:237–242. doi:10.14573/altex.1511091). Briefly for soft tissue, specimens were preserved by fixing in formalin for one week. The tissue specimen was then dehydrated with a series of acetone baths changed weekly. Once the tissue was fully dehydrated, the specimen was impregnated in glycerin by full immersion in a glycerin bath for one to two weeks. Excess glycerin was then removed by draining followed by immersion in cornstarch for one to two weeks. Cornstarch residue was removed with a soft brush, and the specimen was stored in a plastic bag. Multiple specimens (including female reproductive tract of the cat, goat, horse, and sow; digestive tract of barred owl, cat, chicken, and dog; one day old lamb stomach; goat rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum; deer testicle; and sheep heart and kidney) have been preserved and used in various animal science course laboratories (75 laboratory sections and over 1000 students at Berry College). Some of the specimens have been in use for five years and are still in usable condition. The Elnady Technique has proven to be a useful means of preserving tissue samples used in undergraduate animal science courses.

Thermoxylanolytic and Thermosaccharolytic Potential of a Heat Adapted Bacterial Consortium Developed From Goat Rumen Contents

Thermoactive xylanases have important applications in the industrial deconstruction of lignocellulosic plant biomass, due to their sustained activity even at high temperature conditions of industrial bioreactors. We herein report the development of a thermoactive xylanolytic microbial consortium from the semi-digested contents of goat rumen and characterization of the xylanolytic enzyme cocktail produced by it. The consortium exhibited maximum endoxylanase activity at pH6 and at 60°C. Zymogram analysis revealed the production of multiple xylanases. The xylanase cocktail was stable over a pH range of 5–9 after pre-incubation for 3 h. It retained 74% activity after pre-incubation (60°C) for 50 min. It’s activity was enhanced in presence of β-mercaptoethanol, NH4+, Mg2⁺ and Ca2⁺, whereas Hg2⁺ had an inhibitory effect. The xylanolytic cocktail was further utilized for the saccharification of alkali pre-treated rice straw and mushroom spent rice straw. Saccharification was studied quantitatively using the dinitrosalicylic acid method and qualitatively using scanning electron microscopy. Results indicated the potential of the xylanolytic cocktail for the saccharification of rice straw and highlighted the significance of chemical and/or biological pre-treatment in improving the accessibility of the substrate towards the xylanase cocktail.

The Effect of Forage-to-Concentrate Ratio on Schizochytrium spp.-Supplemented Goats: Modifying Rumen Microbiota.

Simple SummaryThe in-depth understanding of rumen functions would be the greatest achievement of animal nutritionists. Hence, plenty of feed additives and various nutritional techniques are studied in modifying and understand the rumen habitat. In our study, we investigated the effect of alteration of the forage: concentrate (F:C) ratio in goats supplemented with the microalgae Schizochytrium spp. on rumen microbiota communities and enzymatic activity. Our results suggested that even though specific microbes’ abundance was altered, their corresponding enzymatic potential did not follow the same trend. Nonetheless, principal ruminal functions such as ammonia accumulation, fibrolytic activity, and degradation rate of specific fatty acids were also modified due to dietary intervention.The inclusion of feed additives and the implementation of various nutritional strategies are studied to modify the rumen microbiome and consequently its function. Nevertheless, rumen enzymatic activity and its intermediate products are not always matched with the microbiome structure. To further elucidate such differences a two-phase trial using twenty-two dairy goats was carried out. During the first phase, both groups (20HF n = 11; high forage and 20HG n = 11; high grain) were supplemented with 20 g Schizochytrium spp./goat/day. The 20HF group consumed a diet with a forage:concentrate (F:C) ratio of 60:40 and the 20HG-diet consisted of a F:C = 40:60. In the second phase, the supplementation level of Schizochytrium spp. was increased to 40 g/day/goat while the F:C ratio between the two groups were remained identical (40HF n = 11; high forage and 40HG n = 11; high grain). By utilizing a next-generation sequencing technology, we monitored that the high microalgae inclusion level and foremost in combination with a high grains diet increased the unmapped bacteria within the rumen. Bacteroidetes and Prevotella brevis were increased in the 40HG -fed goats as observed by using a qPCR platform. Additionally, methanogens and Methanomassiliicoccales were increased in high microalgae-fed goats, while Methanobrevibacter and Methanobacteriales were decreased. Fibrolytic bacteria were decreased in high microalgae-fed goats, while cellulolytic activity was increased. Ammonia was decreased in high grains-fed goats, while docosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids showed a lower degradation rate in the rumen of high forage-fed goats. The alteration of the F:C ratio in goats supplemented with Schizochytrium spp. levels modified both ruminal microbiota and enzymatic activity. However, there was no significant consistency in the relations between them.

Effect of Tea Tree Oil on the Expression of Genes Involved in the Innate Immune System in Goat Rumen Epithelial Cells.

Simple SummarySubacute rumen acidosis (SARA) often causes significant losses on commercial farms. SARA is mainly caused by endotoxin (LPS) produced by the lysis of Gram-negative bacteria, which causes an inflammatory response. To alleviate the inflammatory response mediated by LPS, it is important to improve animal production performance. Tea tree oil (TTO) is a plant extract that possesses good bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects. According to this study, LPS can significantly induce inflammatory responses in goat rumen epithelial cells (GRECs), while the addition of TTO could markedly mitigate inflammatory responses mediated by LPS in GRECs. Therefore, it may be useful for the treatment of SARA.In subacute rumen acidosis (SARA), the rumen epithelium is frequently attacked by endotoxin (LPS), which is caused by the lysis of dead Gram-negative bacteria. However, the rumen epithelium innate immune system can actively respond to the infection. Previous studies have demonstrated that tea tree oil (TTO) has good bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TTO on the expression of genes involved in the inflammatory cytokines in goat rumen epithelial cells (GRECs) triggered by LPS. Our study shows that rumen epithelial cells isolated from goat rumen tissue can be cultured in vitro in 0.25% trypsin for a long time. These cells were identified as epithelial cells by the expression of cytokeratin 18, monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), Na[+]/H[+] hydrogen exchanger 1 (NHE1), putative anion transporter 1 (PAT1), vH+ ATPase B subunit (vH+ ATPase), and anion exchanger 2 (AE2). The mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TLR-2, NF-κB, CXCL6 and CXCL8 genes was significantly increased when LPS was used compared to untreated controls. In addition, mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TLR-2, NF-κB, CXCL8, CXCL6 and interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 3 (IFIT3) genes was also significantly higher in the LPS group compared to the 0.05% TTO group. However, the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TLR-2, CXCL6 and IFIT3 genes was significantly lower in the LPS and 0.05% TTO group compared to the 1 μg/mL LPS group. These results suggest that TTO can inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines expression in GRECs.

Incorporation of dried goat rumen contents in layer diets improves egg yolk colour and acceptability of eggs

The use of dried goat rumen content (DGRC) as a partial replacement for fish meal in layer diets was investigated. A total of 90 H&N Brown Nick layer chickens were offered diets in which DGRC were incorporated at 0, 5 and 10% levels. Iso-caloric and nitrogenous diets were formulated to meet the recommended nutritional requirements for laying hens. Experimental birds were assigned to 9 cages (10 birds/cage) and experimental diets offered in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Data was collected on egg production and sensory characteristics of the eggs, and a partial budget analysis was undertaken. Diet significantly (P 0.05). Eggs from layers offered 10% DGRC were more acceptable than those of layers fed on 0 and 5% diets. A significant effect (P<0.05) of treatments on yolk colour was observed. Eggs from 10% DGRC diets had more deep yellow yolks than eggs from 0 and 5% diets. It was concluded that use of DGRC in layer diets improved yolk colour, acceptability of the eggs and marginal rate of return (MRR).

Development of Candelilla Wax Oleogels as a Medium of Controlled Release of Phosphorus in an In Vitro Model

Candelilla wax (CW) oleogels were developed as an alternative bolus material for delivering phosphorus into the rumen of goats. The systems were studied at three CW concentrations (10%, 15% and 20%) in vegetable oil. Each oleogel was added with a specific amount of calcium orthophosphate as a phosphorus source. The thermomechanical properties of the oleogels were characterized by DSC and rheology, and the viability of phosphorus delivery was evaluated using a laboratory model in two mediums (one aqueous and another with ruminal fluid). The results showed that the oleogels had a higher melting point (~52.8 °C) than the temperature of the ruminal environment and greater G′ values (1.6 × 106 Pa in 20% CW oleogel with phosphorus). Such characteristics guaranteed the integrity of the materials during the process in the model systems studied. It was demonstrated that when using the 20% CW oleogel, the phosphorus was slowly released for 84 h, completing a maximum of 83.3–98% of the total amount of phosphorus added to the bolus (in the aqueous and ruminal fluid models, respectively). These results enable us to propose this material as a delivery system for phosphorus supplementation in goats. Its effectivity in goats will be evaluated in future in vivo investigations.

Illumina Sequencing and Metabolomics Analysis Reveal Thiamine Modulation of Ruminal Microbiota and Metabolome Characteristics in Goats Fed a High-Concentrate Diet.

Long-term supplementation of a high-concentrate diet enhances the accumulation of lactate and decrease in pH in goat rumen, thereby disrupting the composition of microbial community. Studies have shown that incorporation of thiamine in high-concentrate diet increases ruminal pH and decreases rumen lactate concentration. To explore the effects of thiamine supplementation with a high-concentrate diet on alteration of the whole ruminal microbiota and their metabolites, 18 mid-lactating Saanen goats were randomly fed with one of three diets: (1) control diet (CON; n = 6; concentrate:forage 30:70), (2) high-concentrate diet (HG; n = 6; concentrate:forage 70:30), and (3) high-concentrate diet with 200 mg of thiamine/kg of DMI (HGT; n = 6; concentrate:forage 70:30). The goats received experimental diets for 8 weeks. Ruminal samples were collected on the last day of the 8 weeks for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the liquid chromatograph–mass spectrometer (LC-MS) analysis. The results revealed significant alterations of the ruminal bacterial community structure and diversity in HGT groups compared to HG groups, with an overall dominance of Bacteroidetes at the phylum level and Oribacterium (P < 0.05), Anaerobiospirillum (P < 0.01), and Fibrobacter (P < 0.01) at genus level in the HGT group. The LC-MS analysis revealed that thiamine supplementation resulted in lower levels of propionate (P < 0.05), pyruvate (P < 0.01), lactate (P < 0.05), putrescine (P < 0.05), tyramine (P < 0.05), and histamine (P < 0.01) and higher levels of acetate (P < 0.05), succinates (P < 0.01), oxaloacetic acid (P < 0.01), leucine (P < 0.01), valine (P < 0.05), linoleic acid (P < 0.05), docosahexaenoic acid (P < 0.05), and 4-phenylbutyric acid (P < 0.05) in the HGT group than in the HG group. The decrease in these compounds enhanced homeostasis in the rumen environment and suppressed epithelial inflammation. Correlation analysis revealed the potential relationships between ruminal metabolites and microbial community. These findings demonstrate that thiamine supplementation can alleviate subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) by stabilizing the microbial community and reducing toxic unnatural compounds.

Biochemical properties of partially purified surfactant-tolerant alkalophilic endo beta-1,4 xylanase and acidophilic beta-mannanase from bacteria resident in ruminants’ guts

Bacteria from the rumen of goats and cows were screened for endo-xylanase and β-mannanase production. Among bacterial isolates initially screened, isolates represented by C12 and C14 identified by 16S rRNA Gene Sequence as Providencia vermicola and Psychrobacter pulmonis had the highest xylanase and mannanase activity, respectively. The crude enzymes were partially purified by ammonium sulphate and biochemical properties were determined. The partially purified xylanase and mannanase were optimal at pH 9.0 and 4.0, and at temperatures 40 and 60 °C respectively. The maximal pH stability of xylanase and mannanase residual activities were achieved at pH 6.0 and 5.0 respectively, while both enzymes were thermally stable with residual activity of 86% recorded for xylanase at 60 °C after 30 min and 67–83% for mannanase at 40–60 °C after 1 h. The activities of the enzymes were exceptionally and notably stimulated by Pb2+, SDS, and EDTA, while the Km for xylanase and mannanase were 0.73 mg/ml and 4.60 mg/ml, respectively. Novel biochemical properties such as thermal stability, surfactant and metal tolerant, ability to tolerate alkali and acidic conditions including high affinity for substrates of xylanase and mannanase from bacteria in the rumen of ruminants made them candidates for many industrial processes especially pulp-bleaching.

Dose and time response of dietary supplementation with Schizochytrium sp. on the abundances of several microorganisms in the rumen liquid of dairy goats

Microalgae rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as Schizochytrium sp., can be used in ruminant diets as feed additives to modify the rumen microbiome. However, limited in vivo studies exist dealing with their impact on the cellulolytic, methanogenic, and amylolytic microbes in the goat rumen. To address this gap, twenty-four goats were divided into four homogenous subgroups (n = 6 per group). The concentrate of the control group (CON) had no microalgae, while those of the treated groups were supplemented daily with 20 (ALG20), 40 (ALG40), and 60 (ALG60) g Schizochytrium sp./goat. The results showed a significant decline in the relative abundances of Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus in the rumen fluid of ALG40-fed goats; while Fibrobacter succinogenes and Streptococcus bovis were significantly decreased in the ALG60 group compared to the CON group. The relative abundances of Methanobrevibacter spp. were significantly decreased in microalgae-fed goats. The relative abundances of Methanobacterium formicicum and Archaea showed a significant reduction in ALG40 and ALG60 groups, while methanogens and Methanomassiliicoccales portrayed a tendency to decrease (P<0.10) in ALG20 and ALG40 groups compared to the CON group. In contrast, the relative abundance of Methanomicrobium mobile was significantly increased in the rumen of ALG60 goats. In conclusion, the supplementation of goat diets with 20 g Schizochytrium sp. might be considered an efficient nutritional strategy for methanogen inhibition in the rumen fluid, since selected methanogenic microbes were decreased, while rumen bacteria involved in feed fermentation were not considerably altered.

Rearing catfish Heteropneutes fossilis on feed supplemented by fermented leaf meal of Ipomoea aquatica

Replacement of fish meal by cost effective and sustainable plant resources in the formulation of feed for fish is a viable option to alleviate the current crisis in fish feed industries arising due to high cost and non-availability of fish meal. The present research was aimed to evaluate if fermented leaf meal of the aquatic plant Ipomoea aquatica could be used as a fish meal alternative in the formulation of feed for the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis . Fresh green leaves of I. aquatica were sun dried and finely ground to make Ipomea leaf meal (ILM), which was then fermented for 12 days by the phytase producing bacteria Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain KUAKSP1 (GenBank Accession No. KY790423) isolated from rumen of goat. Four iso-proteinous, iso-lipidous and iso-energetic feeds were formulated by replacing 0, 25, 50 and 75% of fish meal by the fermented Ipomoea leaf meal (FILM). Protein digestibility of the feeds was evaluated within 12 days in an indoor experiment in glass aquaria and growth performance of the fish was evaluated after 8 weeks rearing in outdoor cement tanks. H. fossilis grew better on FILM supplemented feed as compared to fish meal based control feed. Maximum apparent protein digestibility (APD) of the feed, maximum weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) and minimum FCR of the fish were found in 50% replacement group. However, crude protein (CP) and crude lipid (CL) deposition in the muscle of the fish and activity of protease in the gut was higher in 25% replacement group. It is concluded that H. fossilis accepts and grows well on the plant based FILM supplemented feed. For better growth management of the fish, incorporation of FILM in the feed should be restricted to 25 to 50% of fish meal.

Metagenomic Insight: Dietary Thiamine Supplementation Promoted the Growth of Carbohydrate-Associated Microorganisms and Enzymes in the Rumen of Saanen Goats Fed High-Concentrate Diets.

Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is often caused by feeding a high-concentrate diet in intensive ruminant production. Although previous studies have shown that dietary thiamine supplementation can effectively increase rumen pH and modify rumen fermentation, the effect of thiamine supplementation on rumen carbohydrate-related microorganisms and enzymes in goats under SARA conditions remain unclear. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary thiamine supplementation on carbohydrate-associated microorganisms and enzymes in the rumen of Saanen goats fed high-concentrate diets. Nine healthy mid-lactating Saanen goats in parity 1 or 2 were randomly assigned into three treatments: A control diet (CON; concentrate:forage (30:70)), a high-concentrate diet (HC; concentrate:forage (70:30)), and a high-concentrate diet with 200 mg of thiamine/kg of DMI (HCT; concentrate:forage (70:30)). Compared with the HC group, dietary thiamine supplementation improved ruminal microbes associated with fiber, including Prevotella, Fibrobacter, Neocallimastix, and Piromyces (p < 0.05). In addition, an increase in the relative abundance of enzymes involved in both fiber degradation and starch degradation, such as CBM16, GH3, and GH97, was observed in the HCT treatment. (p < 0.05). Thus, thiamine supplementation can improve carbohydrate metabolism by increasing the abundance of the microorganisms and enzymes involved in carbohydrate degradation. In conclusion, this study revealed the relationship between ruminal microbiota and enzymes, and these findings contributed to solving the problems arising from the high-concentrate feeding in ruminant production and to providing a new perspective on ruminant health.

Taxonomic and functional adaption of the gastrointestinal microbiome of goats kept at high altitude (4800m) under intensive or extensive rearing conditions.

The gut microbiota composition is influenced by the diet as well as the environment in both wild and domestic animals. We studied the effects of two feeding systems on the rumen and hindgut microbiome of semi-feral Tibetan goats kept at high altitude (∼4800m) using 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing. Intensive drylot feeding resulted in significantly higher zootechnical performance, narrower ruminal acetate: propionate ratios and a drop in the average rumen pH at slaughter to ∼5.04. Hindgut microbial adaption appeared to be more diverse in the drylot group suggesting a higher influx of undegraded complex non-starch polysaccharides from the rumen. Despite their higher fiber levels in the diet, grazing goats exhibited lower counts of Methanobrevibacter and genes associated with the hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis pathway, presumably reflecting the scarce dietary conditions (low energy density) when rearing goats on pasture from extreme alpine environments. These conditions appeared to promote a relevant abundance of bacitracin genes. In parallel, we recognized a significant increase in the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes in the digestive tracts of drylot animals. In summary, this study provides a deeper insight into the metataxonomic and functional adaption of the gastrointestinal microbiome of goats subject to intensive drylot and extensive pasture rearing conditions at high altitude.