The response of ruminal fermentation, epithelium-associated microbiota, and epithelial barrier function to severe feed restriction in pregnant ewes.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in the ruminal fermentation, epithelium-associated microbiota, and ruminal epithelial barrier function in response to severe feed restriction (SFR) in pregnant ewes. Sixteen pregnant ewes (108 d of gestation) were randomly blocked and assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: control (CON, n = 8) and SFR (n = 8). Ewes were fed a common diet with a 60:40 forage to concentrate ratio for 7-d baseline period followed by a SFR challenge period. Ewes on the SFR treatment were restricted to 30% of the base for 15 d. At the end of the experimental period, all animals were slaughtered and then ruminal contents and ruminal epithelial tissue were collected. Results showed that ruminal pH was greater in SFR group (P = 0.040) compared with CON group, while S

SUBMITTER: Hu F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6162573 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature