Effects of Different Feeding Methods on Growth Performance, Enzyme Activity, Rumen Microbial Diversity and...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Ruminant Nutrition
• High-Altitude Ecology

Background:

• Yak calves born in summer face high winter mortality due to prolonged suckling and inadequate nutrition in harsh high-altitude environments.
• Traditional feeding practices can lead to retarded growth and imbalanced herd structures, impacting the yak industry's sustainability.
• Accelerated calf growth is crucial for herd reproduction and production systems on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of early weaning with full feeding on the growth performance and rumen function of yak calves.
• To compare the outcomes of early weaning (concentrate and oat hay, 7:3 ratio) against traditional suckling methods.
• To determine the impact of feeding strategies on rumen microbial composition and metabolome in young yaks.

Main Methods:

• Twelve male yak calves were randomly assigned to either a control group (suckling) or an experimental group (early weaning with concentrate and oat hay).
• Growth performance, volatile fatty acids, digestive enzyme activity, and rumen microbial flora were analyzed.
• Rumen metabolome was assessed to understand the impact of feeding strategies on metabolic pathways.

Main Results:

• Early weaning significantly improved growth performance, volatile fatty acids, and digestive enzyme activity compared to suckling.
• Rumen microbial analysis showed a reduction in Firmicutes and an increase in Bacteroidetes, altering the rumen metabolome.
• Early weaning promoted rumen fermentation and carbohydrate degradation while reducing microbial diversity and richness.

Conclusions:

• Early weaning with a concentrate and oat hay diet enhances growth performance and rumen function in yak calves.
• This feeding strategy positively impacts the rumen microbiome and metabolome, contributing to improved calf health and development.
• Early weaning accelerates herd turnover and boosts the overall production efficiency of grazing yaks, supporting the yak industry.