Fecal Microbial Diversity in Pre-Weaned Dairy Calves as Described by Pyrosequencing of Metagenomic 16S rDNA. Associations of Faecalibacterium Species with Health and Growth

Abstract

In this study, we use barcoded pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize the fecal microbiota of neonatal calves and identify possible relationships of certain microbiota profiles with health and weight gain. Fecal samples were obtained weekly from 61 calves from birth until weaning (seventh week of the calves' life). Firmicutes was the most prevalent phylum, with a prevalence ranging from 63.84% to 81.90%, followed by Bacteroidetes (8.36% to 23.93%), Proteobacteria (3.72% to 9.75%), Fusobacteria (0.76% to 5.67%), and Actinobacteria (1.02% to 2.35%). Chao1 index gradually increased from the first to the seventh postnatal week. Chao1 index was lower during the third, fourth, and fifth week of life in calves that suffered from pneumonia and were treated with antibiotics. Diarrhea incidence during the first four weeks of the calves' life was also associated with a reduction of microbial diversity during the third week of life. Increased fecal microbial diversity after the second week of life was associated with higher weight gain. Using discriminant analysis we were able to show differences in the microbiota profiles between different weeks of life, between high and low weight gain groups of calves, and between calves affected and not affected with diarrhea during the first four weeks life. The prevalence of Faecalibacterium spp. in the first week of life was associated with weight gain and the incidence of diarrhea, with higher prevalence being associated with higher weight gain and less diarrhea. Representative sequences from Faecalibacterium spp. were closely affiliated to Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Results presented here provide new information regarding the intestinal microbiota of neonatal calves and its association with health and growth. Fecal microbial diversity was associated with calf age, disease status and growth rates. Results suggesting a possible beneficial effect of Faecalibacterium spp. on health and growth are promising.

Taxonomic Identification of Commensal Bacteria Associated with the Mucosa and Digesta throughout the Gastrointestinal Tracts of Preweaned Calves

“…The present study revealed a significantly higher prevalence of Faecalibacterium in large-intestinal communities than in communites in other GIT regions. A high abundance of F. prausnitzii in the feces was associated with increased weight gain and a decreased incidence of diarrhea in dairy calves (4). The fermentation of F. prausnitzii produces butyrate, which is the major energy source for colonic epithelial cells, and it also stimulates anti-inflammatory responses (4).…”

“…A high abundance of F. prausnitzii in the feces was associated with increased weight gain and a decreased incidence of diarrhea in dairy calves (4). The fermentation of F. prausnitzii produces butyrate, which is the major energy source for colonic epithelial cells, and it also stimulates anti-inflammatory responses (4). Therefore, the observed higher prevalence of Faecalibacterium species in the large intestine of preweaned calves may be important for maintaining proper body weight and reducing enteric infections during early life.…”

“…An increasing number of studies are investigating microbial establishment and the factors influencing this process in newborn livestock, such as dairy calves. A recent study reported a link between the prevalence of Faecalibacterium during the first week of life and body weight gain as well as diarrhea incidences in 4-week-old calves (4). This suggests a potential role for gut bacteria in both animal health and production.…”

The Potential of Antibiotic Alternatives for Enriching Beneficial Microbiota in Litter

“…For example, Clostridium butyricum has been shown effective as a poultry probiotic [48]. In addition, other butyrate producing bacteria such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzi, Roseburia faecis, and others may be associated with an healthy intestinal tract due the beneficial properties of this short chain fatty acid [49,50]. Some prebiotics also can improve the levels of F. prausnitzi in the intestine [51] and enrich the poultry litter.…”

Response of ruminant health and growth to the probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens

“…Increasing the production of ruminal butyrate could therefore benefit rumen development. Oikonomou et al (2013) found that a higher diversity and prevalence of the butyrate-producing bacteria, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, in the rumen of 1-week old calves increased DWG postweaning compared to calves with a lower population of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in the rumen. An intra-ruminal infusion of butyrate in cattle can also increase rumen papillae size and density (Shen et al 2005).…”