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Ruminal Microbiome Differences in Angus Steers with Differing Feed Efficiencies during the Feedlot Finishing Phase
Mia N Carmichael1, Madison M Dycus1, Jeferson M Lourenco1
1Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
Microorganisms
|March 28, 2024
Summary
Cattle feed efficiency is linked to ruminal microbes. Less efficient cattle have more methane-producing microbes, wasting energy. Improving feed efficiency in cattle requires understanding these microbial shifts.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Microbiology
- Ruminant Nutrition
Background:
- Feed efficiency in cattle is critical for economic viability, as feed costs constitute a significant portion of production expenses.
- The ruminal microbial community plays a key role in converting feedstuffs into animal products like meat and milk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cattle feed efficiency and the composition of their ruminal microbial communities.
- To identify specific microbial taxa associated with high and low feed efficiency in feedlot cattle.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-five Angus steers were fed a finishing diet for 82 days, with dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and residual feed intake (RFI) measured.
- Steers were categorized into high-efficiency (low RFI) and low-efficiency (high RFI) groups based on RFI.
- Ruminal fluid was sampled, volatile fatty acids (VFA) quantified, and microbial DNA sequenced (16S rRNA gene) to analyze community composition.
Main Results:
- While ADG did not differ, high-efficiency steers exhibited lower DMI and RFI.
- Less-efficient steers showed higher relative abundances of methanogens, specifically *Methanobrevibacter* and *Methanosphaera*.
- Efficient steers had increased relative abundances of *Ruminococcaceae* over the feeding period.
Conclusions:
- Ruminal microbial composition differs between cattle with varying feed efficiencies.
- Increased methanogen abundance in less-efficient steers likely leads to greater energy loss as methane.
- Targeting ruminal microbes could offer a strategy to enhance feed efficiency in cattle production.
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