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Does algae β-glucan affect the fecal bacteriome in dairy calves?
Gercino Ferreira Virginio Junior1, Maria Eduarda Reis1, Ana Paula da Silva1
1Department of Animal Science, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
Plos One
|September 30, 2021
Summary
Supplementing dairy calves with algae beta-glucans (β-glucans) positively impacts their fecal bacterial community, potentially improving gut health and performance. This study highlights beta-glucans as a beneficial feed additive for young dairy animals.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Microbiology
- Ruminant Nutrition
Background:
- Beta-glucans (β-glucans) are known for health benefits and improved animal performance.
- The specific effects of β-glucans on the fecal bacterial community in dairy calves were previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of dietary β-glucans on the fecal bacterial community in newborn Holstein calves.
- To explore potential consequences of these changes on calf growth and health.
Main Methods:
- Fourteen newborn Holstein calves were fed either a control milk replacer or one supplemented with 2 g/d of β-glucans.
- Fecal samples were collected weekly for 8 weeks and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V3-V4 region) via the Illumina MiSeq platform.
- Bacterial community structure was assessed using the DADA2 pipeline, with diversity indexes (Shannon, Chao1) and taxonomic abundance analyzed.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in Shannon or Chao1 diversity indexes were found between treatments, though both increased with age.
- Bacterial community structure differed during the pre-weaning period.
- Supplementation with β-glucans increased the abundance of beneficial genera such as Alloprevotella and Holdemanella.
Conclusions:
- Algae β-glucan supplementation positively influences the fecal bacteriome in dairy calves.
- These alterations suggest a beneficial effect on gut health and potentially overall animal performance.
- Beta-glucans show promise as a feed additive for improving dairy calf health and productivity.
