Comparative study on the rumen microbial communities and functions between Wagyu and Holstein calves.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Understanding the rumen microbiota's development in calves is essential for optimizing breed-specific feeding strategies. This study aimed to comparatively investigate the dynamic changes in the rumen microbial community structure and function in Wagyu and Holstein calves.

Methods

Five 3-month-old Wagyu calves and five age-matched Holstein calves were selected. All animals received the same diet consisting of concentrate and hay, with free access to feed and water. Rumen fluid samples were collected monthly from 3 to 6 months of age. Metagenomic sequencing was performed to assess microbial composition (phylum and genus levels), alpha diversity (Shannon, Simpson, ACE, and Chao1 indices), and functional pathway (KEGG-based).

Results

The cumulative relative ab

SUBMITTER: Bu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12781348 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature