Effect of olive cake supplementation on faecal microbiota profile of Holstein and Modicana dairy cattle

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of olive cake supplementation on faecal microbiota of Holstein (n = 16) and Modicana (n = 16) dairy cows. Although no difference in richness was detected, within breeds and between the two dietary treatment, the PERMANOVA analysis applied to the beta diversity allowed to discriminate samples according to breeds (p < 0.001) and treatment (p < 0.001). In Holstein cows, the olive cake supplementation led to the increase of Pseudobutyrivibrio and Christensenellaceae_R7-group genera (p < 0.05) recognized as health-promoting or associated with feed efficiency. Differently, no difference was detected between control and treated groups for Modicana suggesting a high adaptive capacity to diet changes. In addition, the higher prevalence of Firmicutes phyla in the Modicana microbiota reflected its better capacity to digest the fibrous sources. Our study supports the suitability of olive cake as a feed supplement for cows and could help validating a sustainable livestock system in the Mediterranean area, characterized by a relevant oil production and by a native breeds reared with extensive systems.