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Physiology, Nutrition, and Host-Microbiome Interaction in Ruminants

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A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases in Veterinary Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 May 2023) | Viewed by 13902

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Franziska Dengler

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Guest Editor

Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
Interests: intestinal epithelial transport; adaptation mechanisms; short chain fatty acids (SCFA); ruminal homeostasis; host–pathogen interaction

Dr. Susanne Kreuzer-Redmer

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Co-Guest Editor

Unit of Nutrigenomics, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
Interests: microRNAs; rumen health; sub-acute ruminal acidosis; functional feed additives; carbohydrate metabolism

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In veterinary medicine, we often encounter ruminants as a patient torn between its own metabolic demands and enormous production demands, i.e., milk yield, gestation or meat production. The conflict between animal welfare and animal production is an old but still unsolved problem. Many peculiarities of ruminants’ physiology remain to be unraveled and might hold clues to support better husbandry, therapy and prophylaxis. “You are what you eat” seems to apply not only to people, but maybe even more so to ruminants and their gut microbiota, offering a fascinating adaptation to their nutritional niches.

This Special Issue aims to enhance the current understanding of gastrointestinal, metabolic and regulatory physiology and implications for nutrition, as well as to summarize recent progress made in this field. We invite you to contribute original research or review articles covering research on (but not limited to) gastrointestinal physiology, microbiota–host interactions and metabolic adaptation to high yield production.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Franziska Dengler
Dr. Susanne Kreuzer-Redmer
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

ruminal acidosis
dysbiosis
milk fever
laminitis
nutrient uptake and metabolism
ruminal homeostasis
host–pathogen interaction
functional feed additives

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Normal Range for the Schirmer Tear Test and Intraocular Pressure in Healthy Latvian Darkhead Lambs and Ewes

by Liga Kovalcuka, Nelli Alexandra Margarethe König, Pia Valentina Helen Petersen, Aija Sneidere and Aija Malniece

Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(6), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10060392 - 08 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1287

Abstract

A complete ophthalmological examination, including basic diagnostic tests such as the Schirmer tear test (STT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement performed by tonometry in particular species and breeds, is essential for obtaining a clear diagnostic result and avoiding diagnostic misinterpretations. STT and IOP values have been poorly described for sheep. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the normal range for STT and tonometry values in clinically normal Latvian Darkhead lambs and ewes. Both eyes of 100 sheep (200 eyes)—50 lambs (1–3 months old) and 50 ewes (1–8 years old)—underwent complete ophthalmic examinations, including STT and IOP evaluation. The mean ± standard deviation of STT values for both eyes in lambs and ewes were 13.12 ± 3.91 mm/min and 13.68 ± 4.09 mm/min, respectively. The IOP in lambs and ewes was 14.04 ± 3.68 mmHg and 19.16 ± 3.24 mmHg, respectively. Furthermore, the suggested reference range for the STT was 12.00–14.23 mm/min in lambs and 12.52–14.84 mm/min in ewes, while the reference IOP range was determined to be 13.00–15.08 mmHg in lambs and 18.24–20.08 mmHg in ewes. No statistically significant differences in STT and IOP values were observed for both eyes. However, the IOP value for both eyes was statistically significantly higher in ewes compared to lambs (p < 0.01). This study provides reference values for the STT and IOP in healthy Latvian Darkhead lambs and ewes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology, Nutrition, and Host-Microbiome Interaction in Ruminants)

13 pages, 289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficiency of Feed Utilization, Ruminal Traits, and Blood Parameters of Goats Given a Total Mixed Diet Ration Containing Extracted Oil Palm Meal

by Pin Chanjula, Sarong So, Chanon Suntara, Rittikeard Prachumchai and Anusorn Cherdthong

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(11), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9110612 - 04 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1572

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion levels of extracted oil palm meal (EOPM) from biodiesel byproducts in the total mixed ration (TMR) for goats on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, blood parameters, and rumen fermentation characteristics. The EOPM was included at 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% dry matter (DM) to formulate into four dietary treatments and assigned to goats with an average age of 12 months and an initial body weight of 23 ± 0.5 kg in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The PROC MIXED procedure was used to analyze all data, and the orthogonal polynomial was tested for EOPM levels using the SAS program. The DM intake, nitrogen, and metabolizable energy linearly (p < 0.05) increased when there was increased EOPM inclusion. Increasing EOPM inclusions resulted in (p < 0.05) a linear increase in fiber digestibility but did not affect DM, crude protein, or ether extract. Total volatile fatty acids increased (p < 0.05) linearly with increasing EOPM inclusions. The EOPM inclusions did not alter the bacteria, fungi, and protozoal populations. Blood parameters were not affected by the inclusions of EOPM except globulin, triglyceride, and MCV concentration. This study revealed that EOPM could be included in up to 20% DM in TMR for goats with no negative impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology, Nutrition, and Host-Microbiome Interaction in Ruminants)

20 pages, 638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Using Various Levels of Protein Concentrate in Rations of Ayrshire Dairy Cows on Rumen Microbiome, Reproductive Traits and Economic Efficiency

by Nikolai P. Buryakov, Dmitrii E. Aleshin, Maria A. Buryakova, Anastasya S. Zaikina, Georgy Y. Laptev, Larisa A. Ilina, Aleksandr S. Petrov, Nikolay M. Kostomakhin, Ahmed I. El Sheikh, Ferial M. Sahwan and Mohamed M. Fathala

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(10), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9100534 - 28 Sep 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2086

Abstract

Animal feeding research has revealed a close relationship between the chemical composition and nutritional value of cow rations, the number of rumen bacterial communities and animal productivity. Our present research aimed to investigate the outcome of inclusion of different levels of protein concentrate in rations of Ayrshire dairy cows in relation to the rumen microbiome, reproductive traits and economic value. Forty-five Ayrshire cows were divided into three groups (15 in each). The first control group 0 AM was fed the basal ration, while the second 1 AM and third 2 AM groups were fed the basic ration with the sunflower cake replaced by different levels of protein concentrate Agro-Matic (1 and 1.5 kg/head/day, respectively). Ruminal fluid samples, reproductive parameters and economic value were studied. During the early lactation period, 120 days in milk (DIM), the number of pathogenic microorganisms decreased in both the 1 AM and 2 AM groups when compared with the control group 0 AM; moreover, a significant decrease in Peptococcus bacteria was recorded in the 1 AM group, while Fusobacterium decreased in the 2 AM group. At the end of lactation, the total number of cellulolytic bacteria increased with the use of protein concentrate in animals of the 1 AM group when compared with the control group. Regarding undesirable bacteria, the 2 AM group recorded the highest value for Lactobacilli and Actinobacteria when compared with the 0 AM group (0.18 and 8.90 vs. 0.04 and 4.24), and the differences were significant (p < 0.05). The insemination index and the duration of the days open period decreased in the 2 AM group, while the differences were p > 0.05. The profitability of milk production increased by 2.76% and 6.28% in both supplemented groups, and the differences compared to the 0 AM group were significant. We conclude that the supplementation of Agro-Matic caused no deviations from the normal standards of cellulolytic, amylolytic, transit and pathogenic bacteria, no impact on reproductive functions and significantly improved the profitability of the milk production process of Ayrshire dairy cows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology, Nutrition, and Host-Microbiome Interaction in Ruminants)

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18 pages, 2409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metagenomic Characterization and Volatile Compounds Determination in Rumen from Saanen Goat Kids Fed Olive Leaves

by Francesca Bennato, Camillo Martino, Marco Di Domenico, Andrea Ianni, Benli Chai, Lisa Di Marcantonio, Cesare Cammà and Giuseppe Martino

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(9), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9090452 - 24 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1738

Abstract

The accumulation and disposal of by-products deriving from the agro-food industry represents a problem both from an economic and environmental point of view. The use of these matrices in zootechnical nutrition could represent a feasible solution. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of a diet containing olive leaves (OL), a by-product of the olive industry, on the ruminal microbial community of Saanen goat kids and on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced during the digestion. Twenty goat kids were randomly divided into two groups of ten goat kids each. The control group (CTR) was fed with a standard diet, while the experimental group (OL+) received a custom-formulated diet containing 10 % OL on a dry matter (DM) basis. After 30 days of trial, genomic DNA was extracted from the rumen liquor and prepared for 16S rRNA-gene sequencing to characterize the rumen microbiota; furthermore, rumen VOCs were also characterized by solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The Shannon’s alpha index was not significantly different between the two groups, on the contrary, Bray-Curtis (p < 0.01) and Jaccard (p < 0.01) distances evidenced that feed affected microbial community. Eleven genera were influenced by OL supplementation, with a significant increase (p < 0.05) in Paludibacter, Fibrobacter, Sphaerochaeta Christensenella, Rikenella, Oligosphaera, Candidatus Endomicrobium, Anaerovorax, and Atopobium was observed, while the percentages of Bacteroides and Selenomonas were reduced (p < 0.05). Differences were also observed between the two groups at the family level (p < 0.004). Fibrobacteriaceae, Christensenellaceae, Coriobacteriaceae, Oligosphaeraceae, Candidatus Endomicrobium, and Planctomycetaceae were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in goat kids fed OL diet compared to CTR, while the levels of other identified families, Succinivibrionaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae, were opposite (p < 0.05). Finally, results showed that the main phyla in both groups were Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes; however, no significant differences in the relative abundance of any phyla were observed between the two groups. In addition to what has been reported, the analysis of VOCs at the rumen level showed the ability of the OL integration to induce an increase in hexanoic acid and a parallel decrease in decanal. Furthermore, only in OL+ samples there was the accumulation of α-terpineol to which a wide range of interesting biological properties is attributed. The presence of VOCs associated with health status suggests a favorable role of OL in preserving and improving animal welfare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology, Nutrition, and Host-Microbiome Interaction in Ruminants)

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Review

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20 pages, 1186 KiB

Open AccessReview

MicroRNAs in Ruminants and Their Potential Role in Nutrition and Physiology

by Oyindamola Esther Ojo and Susanne Kreuzer-Redmer

Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10010057 - 14 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2469

Abstract

The knowledge of how diet choices, dietary supplements, and feed intake influence molecular mechanisms in ruminant nutrition and physiology to maintain ruminant health, is essential to attain. In the present review, we focus on the role of microRNAs in ruminant health and disease; additionally, we discuss the potential of circulating microRNAs as biomarkers of disease in ruminants and the state of technology for their detection, also considering the major difficulties in the transition of biomarker development from bench to clinical practice. MicroRNAs are an inexhaustible class of endogenous non-protein coding small RNAs of 18 to 25 nucleotides that target either the 3′ untranslated (UTR) or coding region of genes, ensuring a tight post-transcriptionally controlled regulation of gene expression. The development of new “omics” technologies facilitated a fresh perspective on the nutrition–to–gene relationship, incorporating more extensive data from molecular genetics, animal nutrition, and veterinary sciences. MicroRNAs might serve as important regulators of metabolic processes and may present the inter-phase between nutrition and gene regulation, controlled by the diet. The development of biomarkers holds the potential to revolutionize veterinary practice through faster disease detection, more accurate ruminant health monitoring, enhanced welfare, and increased productivity. Finally, we summarize the latest findings on how microRNAs function as biomarkers, how technological paradigms are reshaping this field of research, and how platforms are being used to identify novel biomarkers. Numerous studies have demonstrated a connection between circulating microRNAs and ruminant diseases such as mastitis, tuberculosis, foot-and-mouth disease, fasciolosis, and metabolic disorders. Therefore, the identification and analysis of a small number of microRNAs can provide crucial information about the stage of a disease, etiology, and prognosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology, Nutrition, and Host-Microbiome Interaction in Ruminants)

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31 pages, 4293 KiB

Open AccessReview

Essential Oils as a Dietary Additive for Small Ruminants: A Meta-Analysis on Performance, Rumen Parameters, Serum Metabolites, and Product Quality

by Griselda Dorantes-Iturbide, José Felipe Orzuna-Orzuna, Alejandro Lara-Bueno, Germán David Mendoza-Martínez, Luis Alberto Miranda-Romero and Héctor Aarón Lee-Rangel

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(9), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9090475 - 02 Sep 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3734

Abstract

There is an increasing pressure to identify natural feed additives that improve the productivity and health of livestock, without affecting the quality of derived products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with essential oils (EOs) on productive performance, rumen parameters, serum metabolites, and quality of products (meat and milk) derived from small ruminants by means of a meta-analysis. Seventy-four peer-reviewed publications were included in the data set. Weighted mean differences (WMD) between the EOs treatments and the control treatment were used to assess the magnitude of effect. Dietary inclusion of EOs increased (p < 0.05) dry matter intake (WMD = 0.021 kg/d), dry matter digestibility (WMD = 14.11 g/kg of DM), daily weight gain (WMD = 0.008 kg/d), and feed conversion ratio (WMD = −0.111). The inclusion of EOs in small ruminants’ diets decreased (p < 0.05) ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration (WMD = −0.310 mg/dL), total protozoa (WMD = −1.426 × 10⁵/mL), methanogens (WMD = −0.60 × 10⁷/mL), and enteric methane emissions (WMD = −3.93 L/d) and increased ruminal propionate concentration (WMD = 0.726 mol/100 mol, p < 0.001). The serum urea concentration was lower (WMD = −0.688 mg/dL; p = 0.009), but serum catalase (WMD = 0.204 ng/mL), superoxide dismutase (WMD = 0.037 ng/mL), and total antioxidant capacity (WMD = 0.749 U/mL) were higher (p < 0.05) in response to EOs supplementation. In meat, EOs supplementation decreased (p < 0.05) the cooking loss (WMD = −0.617 g/100 g), malondialdehyde content (WMD = −0.029 mg/kg of meat), yellowness (WMD = −0.316), and total viable bacterial count (WMD = −0.780 CFU/g of meat). There was higher (p < 0.05) milk production (WMD = 0.113 kg/d), feed efficiency (WMD = 0.039 kg/kg), protein (WMD = 0.059 g/100 g), and lactose content in the milk (WMD = 0.100 g/100 g), as well as lower somatic cell counts in milk (WMD = −0.910 × 10³ cells/mL) in response to EOs supplementation. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with EOs improves productive performance as well as meat and milk quality of small ruminants. In addition, EOs improve antioxidant status in blood serum and rumen fermentation and decrease environmental impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology, Nutrition, and Host-Microbiome Interaction in Ruminants)

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