Litter size influences rumen microbiota and fermentation efficiency, thus determining host early growth in goats.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Multiple litters are accompanied by low birth weight, low survival rates, and growth rates in goats during early life. Regulating rumen microbiota structure can indirectly or directly affect host metabolism and animal growth. However, the relationship between high litter size and rumen microbiome, rumen fermentation, and growth performance in goat kids is unclear.

Methods

In the present study, thirty 6-month-old, female goats were investigated, of which 10 goats were randomly chosen from single, twin and triplet goats respectively, and their birth weight was recorded. From birth, all goats were subjected to the same feed and management practices. Individual weaning and youth body weight were measured, and the rumen fluid samples were collected to characterize th

SUBMITTER: Wang D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9895106 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature