Ruminal fermentation and microbial ecology of buffaloes and cattle fed the same diet

Abstract

Although buffaloes and cattle are ruminants, their digestive capabilities and rumen microbial compositions are considered to be different. The purpose of this study was to compare the rumen microbial ecology of crossbred water buffaloes and cattle that were fed the same diet. Cattle exhibited a higher fermentation rate than buffaloes. Methane production and methanogen density were lower in buffaloes. Phylogenetic analysis of Fibrobacter succinogenes-specific 16S ribosomal RNA gene clone library showed that the diversity of groups within a species was significantly different (P < 0.05) between buffalo and cattle and most of the clones were affiliated with group 2 of the species. Population densities of F.succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus and R. flavefaciens were higher until 6 h post-feeding in cattle; however, buffaloes exhibited different traits. The population of anaerobic fungi decreased at 3 h in cattle compared to buffaloes and was similar at 0 h and 6 h. The diversity profiles of bacteria and fungi were similar in the two species. The present study showed that the profiles of the fermentation process, microbial population and diversity were similar in crossbred water buffaloes and crossbred cattle.

Comparative Analysis of the Methanogen Diversity in Horse and Pony by UsingmcrAGene and Archaeal 16S rRNA Gene Clone Libraries

“…Standard DNA was prepared from the 16S rDNA fragment of Escherichia coli cloned into pCR 2.1 vector. Sample-derived standards for methanogen were prepared from the treatment pool set of community DNA [17]. The gene fragment encoding mcrA from cow rumen was cloned into pCR 2.1 vector.…”

Effect of monensin withdrawal on rumen fermentation, methanogenesis and microbial populations in cattle

“…The mcrA copy number was measured as described by Lwin et al (2012). The α-subunit of the methyl coenzyme-M reductase gene (mcrA) was used for quantification of methanogens.…”

“…The α-subunit of the methyl coenzyme-M reductase gene (mcrA) was used for quantification of methanogens. Standard DNA was prepared from a clone originally obtained from a rumen sample as described by Lwin et al (2012). Primers (qmcrA-f and -r) were used in the reaction mixture at the concentrations shown in Table 1.…”

Changes in in vitro Rumen Fermentation Characteristics of Different Compositions of Total Mixed Rations (TMR) and the Ensiled TMRs

“…The assay was carried out under the following conditions: 1 cycle of 95°C for 1 min, 40 cycles at 95°C for 15 s, 60°C for 1 min. Standard DNA was prepared and used as previously described by Lwin et al (2012). Measurements were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) in which the two fixed factors were the type and ensiling, using SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute, Carry, USA).…”