Effects of Rumen-Protected β-Alanine on Growth Performance, Rumen Microbiome, and Serum Metabolome of Beef Cattle

β-alanine has been shown to significantly improve nitrogen utilization efficiency in beef cattle, but its impact on growth performance remains unclear. This study involved 36 healthy 18-month-old Simmental crossbred bulls with similar weights (627 ± 41 kg). The cattle were divided into two groups, with each group comprising six replicates of three animals. While the control group received the basal diet, the treatment group was administered an additional 96 g/d/cattle rumen-protected β-alanine (RP-β-Ala). The study was conducted over a 35-day period, which included an initial 7 days for adaptation. At the end of the trial, body weight was recorded, and samples were collected. Results show that RP-β-Ala enhanced average daily gain (p = 0.065) and crude protein (CP) digestibility (p = 0.065) and reduced gain-to-feed ratio (p = 0.078). Analysis of rumen microbiota revealed that RP-β-Ala positively modulated the rumen microbiota by enriching beneficial genera such as Prevotella, Treponema, and Selenomonas. This enrichment increased volatile fatty acid production and nitrogen utilization efficiency, as evidenced by elevated ruminal ammonia-N and microbial CP levels, along with decreased serum urea nitrogen. Metabolomics identified key alterations in arachidonic acid metabolism, specifically the upregulation of metabolites 14,15-DiHETrE and prostaglandin D2, and enhanced antioxidative capability indicated by increased serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). Concurrently, RP-β-Ala reduced serum TNF-α levels. This reduction was achieved by suppressing harmful bacteria like Thermoactinomyces and Saccharopolyspora, along with inhibiting their polyamine synthesis, specifically spermine and spermidine. Collectively, these effects alleviated oxidative stress and inflammation. These findings demonstrate that RP-β-Ala enhances beef cattle growth through improved energy supply and antioxidant capacity.