Comparative Analysis of Microbiota in Jiani Yaks with Different Rib Structures

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Microbiology
• Genetics

Background:

• The Jiani yak is a nationally recognized species valued for its nutrient-rich meat.
• Rumen microbiota is crucial for yak gastrointestinal health, feed degradation, and nutrient production for meat and milk.
• Limited research exists on the rumen microbiota of free-ranging Jiani yaks, particularly concerning variations based on rib count.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the rumen microbiota composition and function between Jiani yaks with 14 ribs (PL) and 15 ribs (DL).
• To identify specific microbial differences and their potential impact on yak productivity.
• To provide data for optimizing yak husbandry and genetic selection strategies.

Main Methods:

• Rumen fluid samples were collected from Jiani yaks with 14 (PL) and 15 (DL) ribs.
• Microbial DNA was extracted and subjected to Amplicon Sequence Variant (ASV) sequencing.
• Bioinformatic analyses were performed to compare microbial diversity, community structure, and functional pathways (MetaCyc, KEGG).

Main Results:

• Sequencing yielded over 1.2 million raw sequences across both groups, with 611,934 (DL) and 622,814 (PL) filtered sequences.
• A total of 13,498 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) were identified, with 2623 shared between DL and PL yaks.
• Significant differences were observed in the Bacteroidota to Firmicutes ratio (PL: 3.04, DL: 2.35), microbial phyla, genera, and functional pathways (51 MetaCyc, 35 KEGG), indicating distinct microbiota profiles.

Conclusions:

• The rumen microbiota composition and function differ between Jiani yaks with 14 and 15 ribs.
• These microbial variations may influence yak productivity and health.
• Understanding these differences can inform targeted yak husbandry practices and genetic improvement programs for enhanced performance in challenging environments.