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Buccal Swab Samples from Japanese Brown Cattle Fed with Limonite Reveal Altered Rumen Microbiome
Kentaro Harakawa1, Shinpei Kawarai1, Kirill Kryukov2,3
1Research Institute of Agriculture, Tokai University, Kumamoto 862-8652, Kumamoto, Japan.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|July 13, 2024
Summary
Feeding Aso limonite to pregnant Japanese Brown cattle (JBRK) alters rumen microbiota composition. Limonite supplementation increased non-core-rumen bacteria, suggesting a novel mechanism for its benefits in JBRK.
Area of Science:
- Rumen Microbiology
- Animal Science
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Mount Aso grasslands in Japan are crucial for breeding the Kumamoto Brown cattle strain (JBRK).
- Pregnant JBRK in this region are often fed Aso limonite, a volcanic deposit, but its benefits are not fully understood.
- The precise mechanisms by which limonite impacts pregnant JBRK health remain unelucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Aso limonite supplementation on the rumen microbiota of pregnant JBRK.
- To elucidate the potential mechanisms behind the salutary effects of limonite on JBRK during gestation.
Main Methods:
- Seven pregnant JBRK were divided into two groups: limonite-supplemented (n=4) and control (n=3).
- Buccal swabs were collected every 30 days for 90 days, starting 100 days before expected calving.
- 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to analyze DNA extracted from swabs, with beta-diversity analysis employed for statistical comparison.
Main Results:
- Beta-diversity analysis revealed statistically significant differences in rumen microbiota between the limonite-supplemented and control groups.
- Alpha-diversity analysis results were inconclusive.
- Limonite feeding was associated with a decrease in core-rumen bacteria (involved in cellulose digestion) and an increase in non-core-rumen bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Limonite supplementation significantly alters the rumen microbial community in pregnant JBRK.
- The observed shift suggests limonite may activate non-core-rumen microbiota, potentially contributing to its beneficial effects.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of these microbial changes for JBRK health and productivity.
Keywords:
Aso limoniteKumamoto strain of Japanese brown cattle (JBRK)correlation analysismicrobiotarumen metagenomeMore Related Videos
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