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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
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Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings
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Balancing High Yield and Metabolic Health in Dairy Ruminants: The Central Hub Role of the Rumen Microbiota
Xingwei Jiang1, Xinyi Zhang1, Yiyang Sun1
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China.
Veterinary Sciences
|June 26, 2026
Summary
High-producing dairy cows face metabolic challenges like ketosis and fatty liver. This review highlights how rumen microbiota health is key to preventing these disorders and maintaining cow well-being.
Area of Science:
- Rumen microbiology
- Dairy cattle metabolism
- Animal nutrition
Background:
- High milk yield in dairy cows increases metabolic pressure, especially during the transition period.
- Metabolic disorders like ketosis, fatty liver, and subacute ruminal acidosis impact dairy ruminant health and productivity.
- The rumen microbiota plays a crucial role in nutrient metabolism and overall health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of rumen microbiota in metabolic health of high-yielding dairy cows.
- To examine factors influencing rumen microbial stability and associated metabolic disorders.
- To discuss microbiome-oriented strategies for improving dairy cow health and productivity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of rumen microbiota function, dysbiosis, and metabolic disorders.
- Analysis of factors affecting rumen microbial stability.
- Synthesis of microbiome-based strategies for dairy cattle management.
Main Results:
- Rumen microbiota shifts toward dysbiosis under nutritional or physiological stress, contributing to metabolic disorders.
- Diet structure, host variation, and management practices significantly affect rumen microbial stability.
- Microbiome-oriented strategies offer potential for improving metabolic health in dairy cows.
Conclusions:
- Maintaining rumen microbial homeostasis is essential for balancing high milk yield with metabolic health.
- Further research is needed for causal validation of host-microbe interactions and developing microbiome-based management systems.
- Targeting the rumen microbiome can enhance dairy cow health, efficiency, and sustainability.
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