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BMC Genomics May 2024Bacteria of the genera Xylanibacter and Segatella are among the most dominant groups in the rumen microbiota. They are characterized by the ability to utilize different...
Bacteria of the genera Xylanibacter and Segatella are among the most dominant groups in the rumen microbiota. They are characterized by the ability to utilize different hemicelluloses and pectin of plant cell-wall as well as plant energy storage polysaccharides. The degradation is possible with the use of cell envelope bound multiprotein apparatuses coded in polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs), which have been shown to be substrate specific. The knowledge of PUL presence in rumen Xylanibacter and Segatella based on bioinformatic analyses is already established and transcriptomic and genetic approaches confirmed predicted PULs for a limited number of substrates. In this study, we transcriptomically identified additional different PULs in Xylanibacter ruminicola KHP1 and Segatella bryantii TF1-3. We also identified substrate preferences and found that specific growth rate and extent of growth impacted the choice of substrates preferentially used for degradation. These preferred substrates were used by both strains simultaneously as judged by their PUL upregulation. Lastly, β-glucan and xyloglucan were used by these strains in the absence of bioinformatically and transcriptomically identifiable PUL systems.
Topics: Animals; Xylans; Polysaccharides; Gene Expression Profiling; Rumen; Glucans; beta-Glucans; Substrate Specificity; Bacteroidetes; Transcriptome
PubMed: 38769483
DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10421-z -
Animal Bioscience May 2024This study investigated the impact of Aspergillus niger lysing polysaccharide monooxygenase (AnLPMO) on in vitro rumen microbial fermentation of rice straw.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the impact of Aspergillus niger lysing polysaccharide monooxygenase (AnLPMO) on in vitro rumen microbial fermentation of rice straw.
METHODS
AnLPMO was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyzed the surface structure of rice straw after AnLPMO treatment. Two in vitro experiments, coupled with 16S high-throughput sequencing and qRT-PCR techniques, assessed the influence of AnLPMO on rumen microbial fermentation of rice straw.
RESULTS
AnLPMO exhibited peak activity at 40 °C and pH 6.5, with a preference for rice straw xylan hydrolysis, followed by Avicel. AnLPMO application led to the fractional removal of cellulose and hemicelluloses and a notable reduction in the levels of carbon elements and C-C groups present on the surface of rice straw. Compared to the control (no AnLPMO), supplementing AnLPMO at 1.1 U-2.0 U significantly enhanced in vitro digestibility of dry matter (IVDMD, P < 0.01), total gas production (P < 0.01), and concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (VFA, P < 0.01), acetate (P < 0.01), and ammonia-N (P < 0.01). Particularly, the 1.4 U AnLPMO group showed a 14.8% increase in IVDMD. In the second experiment, compared to deactivated AnLPMO (1.4 U), supplementing bioactive AnLPMO at 1.4 U increased IVDMD (P = 0.01), total gas production (P = 0.04), and concentrations of total VFA (P < 0.01), propionate (P < 0.01), and ammonia-N (P < 0.01), with a limited 9.6% increase in IVDMD. Supplementing AnLPMO stimulated the growth of ruminal bacterial taxa facilitating fiber degradation, including Proteobacteria, Spirochaetes, Succinivibrio, Rikenellaceae_RC9_Gut_Group, Prevotelaceae_UCG-003, Desulfovibrio, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, R. flavefaciens, Prevotella bryantii, P. ruminicola, and Treponema bryantii.
CONCLUSION
These findings highlight AnLPMO's potential as a feed additive for improving rice straw utilization in ruminant production.
PubMed: 38754847
DOI: 10.5713/ab.24.0026 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Niacin is one of the essential vitamins for mammals. It plays important roles in maintaining rumen microecological homeostasis. Our previous study indicated that dietary...
Metagenomic sequencing identified microbial species in the rumen and cecum microbiome responsible for niacin treatment and related to intramuscular fat content in finishing cattle.
INTRODUCTION
Niacin is one of the essential vitamins for mammals. It plays important roles in maintaining rumen microecological homeostasis. Our previous study indicated that dietary niacin significantly elevated intramuscular fat content (IMF) in castrated finishing steers. Whether niacin affects fat deposition by regulating the microbial composition and functional capacities of gastrointestinal microbiome has been unknown yet.
METHODS
In this study, 16 castrated Xiangzhong Black cattle were randomly assigned into either control group fed with a basal concentrate diet ( = 8) or niacin group fed with a basal concentrate diet added 1000 mg/kg niacin ( = 8). Seven rumen samples and five cecum content samples were randomly collected from each of control and niacin groups for metagenomic sequencing analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 2,981,786 non-redundant microbial genes were obtained from all tested samples. Based on this, the phylogenetic compositions of the rumen and cecum microbiome were characterized. We found that bacteria dominated the rumen and cecum microbiome. and were the most abundant bacterial species in the rumen microbiome, while and were predominant bacterial species in the cecum microbiome. Rumen microbiome had significantly higher abundances of GHs, GTs, and PLs, while cecum microbiome was enriched by CBMs and AAs. We found a significant effect of dietary niacin on rumen microbiome, but not on cecum microbiome. Dietary niacin up-regulated the abundances of bacterial species producing lactic acid and butyrate, fermenting lactic acid, and participating in lipid hydrolysis, and degradation and assimilation of nitrogen-containing compounds, but down-regulated the abundances of several pathogens and bacterial species involved in the metabolism of proteins and peptides, and methane emissions. From the correlation analysis, we suggested that niacin improved nutrient digestion and absorption, but reduced energy loss, and Valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation of rumen microbiome, which resulted in the increased host IMF.
CONCLUSION
The results suggested that dietary manipulation, such as the supplementation of niacin, should be regarded as the effective and convenient way to improve IMF of castrated finishing steers by regulating rumen microbiome.
PubMed: 38529181
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1334068 -
Microbiome Jan 2024The gut microbiome of domestic animals carries antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) which can be transmitted to the environment and humans, resulting in challenges of...
BACKGROUND
The gut microbiome of domestic animals carries antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) which can be transmitted to the environment and humans, resulting in challenges of antibiotic resistance. Although it has been reported that the rumen microbiome of ruminants may be a reservoir of ARGs, the factors affecting the temporal dynamics of the rumen resistome are still unclear. Here, we collected rumen content samples of goats at 1, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, and 84 days of age, analyzed their microbiome and resistome profiles using metagenomics, and assessed the temporal dynamics of the rumen resistome in goats at the early stage of life under a conventional feeding system.
RESULTS
In our results, the rumen resistome of goat kids contained ARGs to 41 classes, and the richness of ARGs decreased with age. Four antibiotic compound types of ARGs, including drugs, biocides, metals, and multi-compounds, were found during milk feeding, while only drug types of ARGs were observed after supplementation with starter feed. The specific ARGs for each age and their temporal dynamics were characterized, and the network inference model revealed that the interactions among ARGs were related to age. A strong correlation between the profiles of rumen resistome and microbiome was found using Procrustes analysis. Ruminal Escherichia coli within Proteobacteria phylum was the main carrier of ARGs in goats consuming colostrum, while Prevotella ruminicola and Fibrobacter succinogenes associated with cellulose degradation were the carriers of ARGs after starter supplementation. Milk consumption was likely a source of rumen ARGs, and the changes in the rumen resistome with age were correlated with the microbiome modulation by starter supplementation.
CONCLUSIONS
Our data revealed that the temporal dynamics of the rumen resistome are associated with the microbiome, and the reservoir of ARGs in the rumen during early life is likely related to age and diet. It may be a feasible strategy to reduce the rumen and its downstream dissemination of ARGs in ruminants through early-life dietary intervention. Video Abstract.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Goats; Rumen; Microbiota; Animals, Domestic; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 38254181
DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01733-5 -
Journal of Animal Science and Technology Sep 2023This study utilized Italian ryegrass silage (IRGS) - based total mixed ration (TMR) as feedstuff and evaluated its effects on rumen fermentation, growth performance,...
Effects of Italian ryegrass silage-based total mixed ration on rumen fermentation, growth performance, blood metabolites, and bacterial communities of growing Hanwoo heifers.
This study utilized Italian ryegrass silage (IRGS) - based total mixed ration (TMR) as feedstuff and evaluated its effects on rumen fermentation, growth performance, blood parameters, and bacterial community in growing Hanwoo heifers. Twenty-seven Hanwoo heifers (body weight [BW], 225.11 ± 10.57 kg) were randomly allocated to three experimental diets. Heifers were fed 1 of 3 treatments as follows: TMR with oat, timothy, and alfalfa hay (CON), TMR with 19% of IRGS (L-IRGS), and TMR with 36% of IRGS (H-IRGS). Feeding high levels of IRGS (H-IRGS) and CON TMR to heifers resulted in a greater molar proportion of propionate in the rumen. The impact of different TMR diets on the BW, average daily gain, dry matter intake, and feed conversion ratio of Hanwoo heifers during the growing period did not differ ( > 0.05). Furthermore, the blood metabolites, total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, glucose, and total cholesterol of the heifers were not affected by the different TMR diets ( > 0.05). In terms of rumen bacterial community composition, 264 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were observed across the three TMR diets with 240, 239, and 220 OTUs in CON, L-IRGS, and H-IRGS, respectively. IRGS-based diets increased the relative abundances of genera belonging to phylum but decreased the abundances of genus belonging to phylum compared with the control. Data showed that was the most dominant phylum, while was the dominant species across the three TMR groups. The relative abundance of in the rumen increased in heifers fed with high inclusion of IRGS in the TMR (H-IRGS TMR). The relative abundance of in the rumen significantly increased when heifers were fed H-IRGS TMR while increased in both L-IRGS and H-IRGS TMR groups. Results from the current study demonstrate that the inclusion of IRGS in the TMR is comparable with the TMR containing high-quality forage (CON). Thus, a high level of IRGS can be used as a replacement forage ingredient in TMR feeding and had a beneficial effect of possibly modulating the rumen bacterial community toward mainly propionate-producing microorganisms.
PubMed: 37969342
DOI: 10.5187/jast.2023.e16 -
Scientific Reports Sep 2023Propionate is a microbial metabolite formed in the gastrointestinal tract, and it affects host physiology as a source of energy and signaling molecule. Despite the...
Propionate is a microbial metabolite formed in the gastrointestinal tract, and it affects host physiology as a source of energy and signaling molecule. Despite the importance of propionate, the biochemical pathways responsible for its formation are not clear in all microbes. For the succinate pathway used during fermentation, a key enzyme appears to be missing-one that oxidizes ferredoxin and reduces NAD. Here we show that Rnf [ferredoxin-NAD oxidoreductase (Na-transporting)] is this key enzyme in two abundant bacteria of the rumen (Prevotella brevis and Prevotella ruminicola). We found these bacteria form propionate, succinate, and acetate with the classic succinate pathway. Without ferredoxin:NAD oxidoreductase, redox cofactors would be unbalanced; it would produce almost equal excess amounts of reduced ferredoxin and oxidized NAD. By combining growth experiments, genomics, proteomics, and enzyme assays, we point to the possibility that these bacteria solve this problem by oxidizing ferredoxin and reducing NAD with Rnf [ferredoxin-NAD oxidoreductase (Na-transporting)]. Genomic and phenotypic data suggest many bacteria may use Rnf similarly. This work shows the ferredoxin:NAD oxidoreductase activity of Rnf is important to propionate formation in Prevotella species and other bacteria from the environment, and it provides fundamental knowledge for manipulating fermentative propionate production.
Topics: Animals; Ferredoxins; Propionates; NAD; Fermentation; Glucose; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidoreductases; Succinates; Succinic Acid; Prevotella
PubMed: 37777597
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43282-9 -
Animal : An International Journal of... Oct 2023Nitrogen (N) loss from livestock agriculture via ammonia and nitrous oxide can reduce feed efficiency, production and negatively affect the environment. One option to...
Nitrogen (N) loss from livestock agriculture via ammonia and nitrous oxide can reduce feed efficiency, production and negatively affect the environment. One option to reduce N loss is to add dietary supplements such as Yucca schidigera extract which has ammonia-binding properties and contains antimicrobial steroidal saponins, or Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, which can stabilise rumen pH and promote fibre degradation, increasing microbial growth and demand for degradable N. To determine the effect of Yucca schidigera extract when fed alone or in combination with a live yeast on the performance, rumen metabolism, microbiome and N balance, six rumen cannulated dairy cows were fed a mixed ration (C), mixed ration with Y. schidigera extract (De-Odorase®, Alltech®; 5 g/cow/day; D), or mixed ration with Y. schidigera extract (5 g/day) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Yea-Sacc®, Alltech®, 1 g/cow per day; DY), in a 3 × 3 Latin rectangle design study with three periods of 49-day duration. Digesta samples were collected via the ruminal cannula during the final week of each period and separated into liquid (LPD) and solid (SPD) phases for microbiome analysis using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. DM intake was 0.8 kg/d lower (P < 0.05) in cows fed DY than C or D, with milk protein concentration 1.7 g/kg higher in C than D or DY. There was a beta diversity (Bray Curtis) clustering of the LPD in cows fed D or DY compared to C (P < 0.05), driven by an increase in Prevotella ruminicola-related operational taxonomic units (OTUs), and a decrease in P. brevis and P. bryantii OTUs. A methanogen OTU, Methanobrevibacter olleyae, was decreased in cows fed D or DY and an unclassified species of Gammaproteobacteria was increased in DY (LDA > 2.0, P < 0.05) compared to C. Rumen pH, ammonia and total VFA concentration were not affected by treatment (P > 0.05) but the concentration of propionate and iso-butyrate were lower at 1700 and 2000 h in cows fed DY compared to C (P < 0.05). Measurements of N balance were unaffected by supplementation with D or DY, and there was no effect of treatment on slurry pH. In conclusion, supplementing with an extract of Yucca schidigera either alone or in combination with a live yeast had only a small effect on performance, with Yucca schidigera altering species associated with carbohydrate and protein metabolism, and reduced Methanobrevibacter olleyae which is involved in methanogenesis.
PubMed: 37742499
DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100967 -
Microorganisms May 2023The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of different selenium supplemental levels on rumen fermentation microflora of sika deer at the velvet antler growth...
The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of different selenium supplemental levels on rumen fermentation microflora of sika deer at the velvet antler growth stage. A total of 20 5-year-old, healthy sika deer at the velvet antler growth stage with an average body weight of (98.08 ± 4.93) kg were randomly divided into 4 groups, and each group was fed in a single house. The SY1 group was the control group, and the SY2 group, SY3 group and SY4 group were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.3, 1.2 and 4.8 mg/kg selenium, respectively. The pretest lasted for 7 days, and the formal trial period lasted for 110 days. The results show that: At the velvet antler growth stage, the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber of sika deer in the SY2 group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( < 0.01). The digestibility of cellulose and crude fiber of sika deer in the SY2 group was significantly higher than those in the SY3 and SY4 groups ( < 0.01) and significantly higher than that in the control group ( < 0.05). The contents of acetic acid and propionic acid in the rumen fluid of sika deer in the SY2 group were significantly higher than those in the SY1 group ( < 0.05). Digestive enzyme analysis of rumen fluid at the velvet antler growth stage showed that the activity of protease in rumen fluid in the SY2 group was significantly lower than those in the SY1 group and SY4 group ( < 0.05). The relative abundance of in the SY2 group was significantly higher than that in the SY1 group ( < 0.05) and extremely significantly higher than those in the SY3 and SY4 groups ( < 0.01). Correlation analysis between yeast selenium level and bacterial abundance showed that the yeast selenium content in rumen fluid was significantly positively correlated with and ( < 0.01). Further verification of bacterial flora functioning showed that the SY2 group was more inclined to the degradation and utilization of fiber. In conclusion, 0.3 mg/kg selenium supplementation can increase the abundance of and in the rumen of sika deer and improve the degradation of fibrous substances by mediating the catabolite repression process.
PubMed: 37374946
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061444 -
Food Science & Nutrition Jun 2023This experiment explored the effects of different proportions of sweet sorghum silage as a substitute for corn silage on dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, milk...
This experiment explored the effects of different proportions of sweet sorghum silage as a substitute for corn silage on dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, milk quality, apparent digestibility, rumen fermentation parameters, serum amino acid profile, and rumen microbial composition of dairy cows. A total of 32 mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows with similar body weights and parities were randomly divided into four treatments: 100% corn silage +0% sorghum silage (CON), 75% corn silage +25% sorghum silage (CS1), 50% corn silage +50% sorghum silage (CS2), and 25% corn silage +75% sorghum silage (CS3). The milk yield was increased (linear, = .048) as the proportion of sweet sorghum increased. Linear ( = .003) and quadratic ( = .046) increased effects were observed in milk fat as corn silage was replaced with sorghum silage. Compared with the CON diet group, the CS2 and CS3 diet groups had lower dry matter (DM) (linear, < .001), ether extract (EE) (linear, < .001), and gross energy (GE) (linear, = .001) digestibility of the dairy cows. The ruminal fluid aspartate (Asp) level decreased (linear, = .003) as the proportion of sweet sorghum increased. Linear ( < .05) and quadratic ( < .05) increased effects were observed for the contents of threonine (Thr), glycine (Gly), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), tyrosine (Tyr), and histidine (His) in rumen fluid with the replacement of corn silage with sorghum silage. Cows fed the CS3 diet had greater , and content/copy number than those fed the CON diet ( < .05). In conclusion, feeding sorghum silage as a replacement for corn silage could increase the milk yield and fat, promote the growth of rumen microbes, and provide more rumen fluid amino acids for the body and microbial utilization. We believe that sorghum silage is feasible for dairy cows, and it is reasonable to replace corn silage with 75% sorghum silage.
PubMed: 37324908
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3347 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Apr 2023This experiment was conducted to investigate growth performance, ruminal fermentation, rumen microbial protein synthesis, and serum antioxidant capacity with different...
This experiment was conducted to investigate growth performance, ruminal fermentation, rumen microbial protein synthesis, and serum antioxidant capacity with different doses of curcumin (CUR) included in the diet of housed growing lambs. Forty-eight four-month-old Dorper × Thin-tailed Han F crossbred male lambs (body weight = 20.89 ± 1.15 kg, age = 120 ± 10 days; mean ± SD) were randomly divided into four groups for a single-factor, completely randomized experiment. Treatments comprised the following: the basal diet supplemented with 0 (Control), 300 mg/kg (300 CUR), 600 mg/kg (600 CUR), or 900 mg/kg (900 CUR) CUR, respectively. The results showed that dietary CUR increased average daily gain (ADG), and the 300 CUR group evidenced the highest value. There were no significant effects on dry matter intake (DMI) and DMI/ADG. Lambs in the 300 CUR group showed higher totals of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and acetate than other groups, while decreased valerate was observed with supplementary CUR. The ruminal pH and ammonia N (NH-N) concentration decreased with increasing CUR, with the greatest effect in the 300 CUR group. The quadratic effects were found in pectinase, carboxymethyl cellulose, and protease, with the greatest value in the 300 CUR group. The microbial populations of total bacteria and also responded quadratically, and the methanogens, protozoan, and populations decreased linearly with increasing CUR. Lambs receiving additional CUR showed increased population. Microbial protein (MCP) synthesis was promoted by supplementary CUR. As supplementation with CUR increased, the serum activity of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was enhanced, with the greatest value in the 300 CUR group. In conclusion, dietary CUR improved ruminal fermentation, promoted rumen microbial protein (MCP) synthesis, and enhanced serum antioxidant activity, as well as promoting growth performance in housed growing lambs.
PubMed: 37174476
DOI: 10.3390/ani13091439