Inter and intraspecies comparison of the level of selected bacterial phyla in in cattle and sheep based on feces

Abstract

Background The microbiome of the digestive tract of ruminants contains microbial ecosystem that is affected by both environmental and genetic factors. The subject of this study concerns the influence of selected genetic factors, such as species of animals and “host” individual differences on the digestive tract microbiome composition. The results show the core microbiological composition (Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes) of ruminants digestive tract (based on feces) depending on breed and “host”. The Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla are the most abundant in ruminants digestive tract. The aim of the study was to determine the differences prevalence level of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla in feces of Charolaise cattle and Polish Olkuska Sheep with respect to intra- and inter-species variability. Results The research group in the experiment consisted of animals at the age of 3 months kept in the same environmental conditions – rams of Polish Olkuska Sheep (n = 10) and Charolaise bulls (n = 10). Feces were collected individually from each animal (animals without disease symptoms were selected), living on the same environmental conditions. The analysis of the results in terms of species showed differences in the Firmicutes phylum level and Lactobacillaceae family between rams and bulls. Subsequently, the analysis performed for the “host effect” showed differentiation in the levels of the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla between individuals in a group and also between the groups. Conclusion The obtained results suggest that, apart from the diet and the environment, the species and the individual host are equally important factors influencing the microbiological composition of the digestive system of ruminants.

Explorando la microbiota bacteriana fecal bovina en la Reserva de la Biosfera de Mapimí, norte de México

“…These animals have specific gut microbial taxa as they are dependent on these bacteria to extract energy and nutrients from food (54) , besides having specialized anatomical and physiological adaptations to the cellulolytic fermentation of low nutrition -high fiber vegetal material (55) . The presence of other bacterial genera reported in this study could be the result of environmental and genetic factors, age, breed, diet, phylogeny, among others (56,57,58) . Recently (56,59,60) , was demonstrated that herbivorous animals have the most diverse microbiota since they depend on microbial metabolic pathways to maximize energy and nutrient extraction from feeding (61) .…”

Effects of diets for three growing stages by rumen inocula donors on in vitro rumen fermentation and microbiome

“…In a separate study, certain members of the Firmicutes phylum, such as Christensenellaceae and Lachnospiraceae, were reported to have potentially higher abundance when sampling liquid-based fluid via stomach sampling [ 41 ]. Furthermore, numerous factors, including geographical location and diet, have been identified as influential contributors to the microbial diversity and quantity within the digestive tract [ 42 ]. Under high-concentrate feeding conditions, Firmicutes accounted for over 70% of the detected microbes.…”

Rumen Development of Tianhua Mutton Sheep Was Better than That of Gansu Alpine Fine Wool Sheep under Grazing Conditions

“…The sum of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota was more than 95.11% in both fine wool sheep in this experiment. Firmicutes contain many fiber-decomposing bacteria, which are related to fiber degradation and fat deposition in the rumen [42,43]. Bacteroidota has the ability to degrade plant polysaccharides and is mainly involved in the degradation process of starch [44,45], and they help digest and absorb carbohydrates.…”