J.J. Loor, A.A. Elolimy, and J.C. McCann
Department of Animal Sciences, Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801
Implications
Background
The reticulo-rumen is the largest compartment of the ruminant digestive tract, and it harbors a complex anaerobic microbial community capable of producing a wide array of enzymes, some of which are important for the breakdown of plant lignocellulosic and non-structural carbohydrate (starch, sugars) material through the process of fermentation (Russell and Rychlik, 2001). Important outcomes of microbial fermentation are the production of volatile fatty acids (or short-chain fatty acids) that serve as fuels for the animal’s tissues and the synthesis of microbial protein that provides amino acids for the animal to produce high-quality protein for human consumption, i.e., meat and milk. Studies over the last few decades have conclusively demonstrated that the ruminal microbial ecosystem (both of the neonate and mature ruminant) can be altered by nutritional management (McCann et al., 2014b). Therefore, nutrition represents an important tool for manipulating the microbial ecosystem to optimize rumen function while producing high-quality meat and milk for meeting the demands of a growing human population.
The recent development of omic technologies, e.g., sequencing of the 16S and 18S ribosomal RNA gene, metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics, along with bioinformatics tools, have not only enhanced the understanding of the rumen ecology, but also our ability to predict the functional capacity of the microbiota (McCann et al., 2014b). From a production standpoint, it is believed that further gains in knowledge that in the medium- to-long term could lead to practical applications will arise from the integration of taxonomic and functional data with “classical” parameters of rumen digestion, metabolism, and performance (Morgavi et al., 2013). Our aim in this review is to provide recent examples demonstrating how nutrition can alter the structure, composition, and diversity of the rumen microbiota in beef and dairy production. In addition, we attempt to highlight points where there are knowledge gaps for further research.
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Department of Animal Sciences, Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801
Implications
- The rumen harbors diverse microorganisms including bacteria, protozoa, fungi, archaea, and viruses. They play a key role in the breakdown and utilization of feedstuff carbohydrate and protein (from forage, grain) through the process of fermentation, resulting in the production of volatile fatty acids (or short-chain fatty acids) and microbial protein.
- The volatile fatty acids provide the ruminant with readily available sources of energy and substrates for the synthesis of lipid and glucose by the animal. Microbial protein provides a highly digestible source of amino acids for muscle growth in beef and milk protein in dairy cows. Therefore, rumen microorganisms play an essential role in optimizing nutrient utilization from feed.
- Historically, knowledge about the rumen microbial ecology and the nutrition of microorganisms was obtained using classical culture approaches, which by the 1990s, allowed the characterization of at least 22 major bacteria.
- Rapid advances in molecular biology and phylogenetic techniques (e.g., multiple sequence alignment) and the rise of “omic” approaches (e.g., high-throughput sequencing) have allowed for understanding the ecology and function of microbial ecosystems in the rumen.
- These technical advances have enabled scientists, for the first time, to have a holistic view of the rumen microbiota and enhanced our ability to explore some of the hidden relationships between an “altered” rumen environment and the development of a disorder such as sub-acute ruminal acidosis or milk fat depression (“low fat milk syndrome”).
- Here we briefly discuss recent examples demonstrating how age and nutrition can alter the structure, composition, and diversity of the rumen microbiota in beef and dairy production. We also highlight areas where there are knowledge gaps for further research.
- Applying an integrative approach, i.e., systems biology, encompassing nutritional management effects on the rumen microbiota, the tissue responses, and the production outcomes will provide added value to nutritionists attempting to optimize further the production of high-quality beef and milk to meet the demands of a growing population worldwide.
Background
The reticulo-rumen is the largest compartment of the ruminant digestive tract, and it harbors a complex anaerobic microbial community capable of producing a wide array of enzymes, some of which are important for the breakdown of plant lignocellulosic and non-structural carbohydrate (starch, sugars) material through the process of fermentation (Russell and Rychlik, 2001). Important outcomes of microbial fermentation are the production of volatile fatty acids (or short-chain fatty acids) that serve as fuels for the animal’s tissues and the synthesis of microbial protein that provides amino acids for the animal to produce high-quality protein for human consumption, i.e., meat and milk. Studies over the last few decades have conclusively demonstrated that the ruminal microbial ecosystem (both of the neonate and mature ruminant) can be altered by nutritional management (McCann et al., 2014b). Therefore, nutrition represents an important tool for manipulating the microbial ecosystem to optimize rumen function while producing high-quality meat and milk for meeting the demands of a growing human population.
The recent development of omic technologies, e.g., sequencing of the 16S and 18S ribosomal RNA gene, metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics, along with bioinformatics tools, have not only enhanced the understanding of the rumen ecology, but also our ability to predict the functional capacity of the microbiota (McCann et al., 2014b). From a production standpoint, it is believed that further gains in knowledge that in the medium- to-long term could lead to practical applications will arise from the integration of taxonomic and functional data with “classical” parameters of rumen digestion, metabolism, and performance (Morgavi et al., 2013). Our aim in this review is to provide recent examples demonstrating how nutrition can alter the structure, composition, and diversity of the rumen microbiota in beef and dairy production. In addition, we attempt to highlight points where there are knowledge gaps for further research.
<Click here for a PDF of the complete research paper>
