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Updated: Jan 15, 2026
Metagenomic Analysis of Silage
Published on: January 13, 2017
Gut microbiome metagenomics in diarrheic and healthy Simmental cattle from Ningxia Province, China
Yuqi Zhang1, Kun Su1, Furqan Munir1
1Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture of China, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China.
Introduction:
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in health and disease. This study aims to investigate the composition, characteristics, and functional diversity of the intestinal microbiome by performing metagenomic sequencing on fecal samples from diarrheic and healthy Simmental cattle.
Results:
This study compared the gut microbiome differences between two groups of Simmental cattle (5 diarrheic and 20 healthy) in Ningxia province, China. Metagenomic analysis revealed higher microbial heterogeneity in the diarrheic group, likely reflecting pathogen-driven ecological disruption, whereas the healthy group was dominated by butyrate-producing and fiber-degrading bacteria, maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Antibiotic resistance gene analysis detected glycopeptide resistance genes in both groups, but the healthy group also carried aminoglycoside/tetracycline resistance genes and poxtA. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the diarrheic group was enriched in purine synthesis-related pathways, while the healthy group exhibited dominant metabolic pathways such as glutamine synthase. Virulence factor analysis indicated that the diarrheic group had higher abundances of capsular polysaccharides and type IV secretion systems, potentially promoting bacterial colonization and immune evasion. In summary, diarrheic cattle harbored a gut microbiome dominated by opportunistic pathogens, accompanied by metabolic dysregulation and antimicrobial resistance risks, whereas healthy cattle maintained a microbial community rich in short-chain fatty acid producers. This study provides a theoretical foundation for gut microbiome modulation and antimicrobial resistance control in ruminants.
Conclusion:
This study revealed distinct gut microbiome composition and function between diarrheic and healthy cattle through sequencing analysis. The findings offer insights for ruminant diarrhea management and provide a basis for developing more scientific antibiotic management strategies in animal husbandry.
