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The Use of an Automated System GreenFeed to Monitor Enteric Methane and Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Ruminant Animals
Published on: September 7, 2015
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Bovine host genome acts on rumen microbiome function linked to methane emissions
Marina Martínez-Álvaro1, Marc D Auffret2, Carol-Anne Duthie1
1Scotland's Rural College, Edinburgh, UK.
Communications Biology
|April 13, 2022
Summary
Host genetics significantly influence bovine rumen microbiome function and methane (CH4) emissions. Breeding for specific microbial genes offers a promising strategy to reduce greenhouse gas output.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Microbiome Research
- Genomics
Background:
- The bovine rumen microbiome plays a critical role in host physiology and greenhouse gas production.
- Understanding host genomic influence on the microbiome is key to improving livestock sustainability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of host genome on the rumen microbiome composition and function in bovines.
- To identify microbial targets for genomic selection to mitigate methane (CH4) emissions.
Main Methods:
- Whole metagenomics sequencing of bovine rumen contents.
- Quantitative trait analysis to determine host genomic heritability of microbial taxa and genes.
- Correlation analysis between microbial gene abundance and CH4 emissions.
Main Results:
- Significant host genomic effects were observed for 194 microbial genera, 14 metagenome assembled uncultured genomes (RUGs), and 337 genes.
- 29 genera, 22 RUGs, and 115 genes showed strong correlations with CH4 emissions.
- Selection based on microbial gene abundance predicted a 17% reduction in CH4 emissions per generation, exceeding selection based on direct CH4 measurement.
Conclusions:
- The host genome exerts substantial control over the rumen microbiome, influencing CH4 production.
- Microbiome-driven breeding strategies hold significant potential for reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.
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