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Multi-breed host rumen epithelium transcriptome and microbiome associations and their relationship with beef cattle
P A S Fonseca1, S Lam1, Y Chen2
1Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
Scientific Reports
|September 27, 2023
Summary
Researchers explored host-microbial interactions in cattle, linking rumen microbes to host gene expression for improved feed efficiency. This could enable genetic selection for better beef cattle production traits.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Genomics
- Microbiology
Background:
- Host-microbial interactions in the rumen are crucial for cattle production traits.
- Understanding these interactions can lead to improved feed efficiency through microbiota manipulation or genetic selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between host gene expression and rumen microbial abundance in beef cattle breeds divergent for residual feed intake (RFI).
- To identify candidate genes and microbial taxa associated with feed efficiency.
Main Methods:
- RNA-Sequencing of rumen tissue and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing were employed.
- Differential gene expression and microbial abundance analyses were performed.
- Spearman correlation was used to identify significant associations between host genes and microbial ASVs.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations were found between host gene expression and rumen archaea and bacteria.
- Genes associated with bacterial ASVs showed links to muscle contraction and immune system modulation.
- Candidate genes for feed efficiency were identified in Angus, Charolais, and Kinsella breeds.
Conclusions:
- The study provides insights into host-rumen microbial interactions influencing feed efficiency in beef cattle.
- Identified host and microbial traits can be targeted for breeding more feed-efficient cattle.
