Microbiota of newborn calves and their mothers reveals possible transfer routes for newborn calves' gastrointestinal microbiota.

ABSTRACT: The intestinal microbiota of newborns plays an important role in the development of immunity and metabolism. In livestock animals, knowledge of the intestinal microbiota is essential not only to prevent diseases but also to optimize weight gain and performance. The aim of our study was to examine faecal samples repeatedly within the first two days of life using 16S rRNA gene High Throughput Sequencing. Additionally, samples from the mouths of the calves and the vaginas, colostrum, and faeces of the dams were included to evaluate possible sources of the calf faecal microbiota. The calf faecal microbiota was highly variable during the first 48 hours post natum (p.n.). Significant changes were found in species diversity and richness, in copy numbers evaluated by qPCR and in predominant bacter

SUBMITTER: Klein-Jobstl D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6675284 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature