In this research, the connection between age and microbial diversity in cattle was explored, revealing significant changes in both protist diversity and fungal microbiota composition with age. Using fecal samples from 21 Simmental cattle, microbial communities were analyzed through 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Results indicated significant differences in alpha protist diversity among the three age groups, while fungal composition varied notably with age and was linked to hematological parameters. Despite the stability of fungal alpha diversity, compositional changes suggest the gut as a stable niche for microbial colonization influenced by diet, clinical parameters, and microbial interactions. All cattle were maintained on a consistent diet, tailored to meet the specific nutritional needs of each age group. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding age-related microbial dynamics to enhance livestock management and animal health, contributing to broader ecological and biomedical research. This study was limited by the lack of comprehensive metabolic analyses correlating microbiota changes with specific age-related variations, indicating a need for further research in this area.
In this study, we investigated the relationship between age and microbial diversity in cattle, revealing significant changes in both protist diversity and fungal microbiota composition with age. Using fecal samples from 21 Simmental cattle, we analyzed microbial communities through 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Results indicated significant differences in alpha protist diversity among the three age groups, while fungal composition varied notably with age and was linked to hematological parameters. Despite the stability of fungal alpha diversity, compositional changes suggest the gut as a stable niche for microbial colonization influenced by diet, clinical parameters, and microbial interactions. All cattle were maintained on a consistent diet, tailored to meet specific nutritional needs of each age group. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding age-related microbial dynamics to enhance livestock management and animal health, contributing to broader ecological and biomedical research. However, the study was limited by the lack of comprehensive metabolic analyses correlating microbiota changes with specific age-related variations, indicating a need for further research in this area.
This study evaluated the gut microbiota and meat quality traits in 11 healthy female cattle from the Huaral region of Peru, including 5 Angus, 3 Braunvieh, and 3 F1 Simmental × Braunvieh. All cattle were 18 months old and maintained on a consistent lifelong diet. Meat quality traits, including loin area, fat thickness, muscle depth, and marbling, were assessed in vivo using ultrasonography. Fecal samples were collected for microbiota analysis, and DNA was extracted for 16S and 18S rRNA sequencing to characterize bacterial, fungal, and protist communities. Significant correlations were observed between microbial genera and meat traits: Christensenellaceae R-7 and Alistipes were positively associated with marbling and muscle area, while Rikenellaceae RC9 showed a negative correlation with fat thickness. Among fungi, Candida positively correlated with marbling, while Trichosporon was negatively associated with muscle depth. For protists, Entodinium negatively correlated with fat thickness and marbling. Alpha diversity varied by breed, with Angus showing greater bacterial diversity, and beta diversity analyses indicated a strong breed influence on microbial composition. These findings suggest that microbial composition, shaped by breed and dietary consistency, could serve as an indicator of meat quality, offering insights into gut microbiota’s role in optimizing cattle production.
This study investigates gender-based differences in the gut microbiota of Simmental cattle, focusing on bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed using high-throughput sequencing, with taxonomic classification performed through the SILVA and UNITE databases. Alpha and beta diversity metrics were assessed, revealing significant differences in the diversity and composition of archaeal communities between males and females. Notably, females exhibited higher alpha diversity in archaea, while beta diversity analyses indicated distinct clustering of bacterial and archaeal communities by gender. The study also identified correlations between specific microbial taxa and hematological parameters, with Treponema and Methanosphaera showing gender-specific associations that may influence cattle health and productivity. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender in microbiota-related research and suggest that gender-specific management strategies could optimize livestock performance. Future research should explore the role of sex hormones in shaping these microbial differences.
The mitochondrial genome of Pumpo (Bos taurus), a prominent breed contributing to livestock farming, was sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Assembly and annotation of the mitochondrial genome were achieved through a multifaceted approach employing bioinformatics tools such as Trim Galore, SPAdes, and Geseq, followed by meticulous manual inspection. Additionally, analyses covering tRNA secondary structure and codon usage bias were conducted for comprehensive characterization. The 16,341 base pair mitochondrial genome comprises 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis places Pumpo within a clade predominantly composed of European cattle, reflecting its prevalence in Europe. This comprehensive study underscores the importance of mitochondrial genome analysis in understanding cattle evolution and highlights the potential of genetic improvement programs in livestock farming, thus contributing to enhanced livestock practices.
This study investigates the correlation between gut microbiota diversity and various hematological and meat quality parameters in different cattle breeds, including Angus, Simmental, Braunvieh, Brahman and F1(SMxBR). Using 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA gene sequencing, microbial communities were profiled to discern breed-specific impacts on gut microbiota. Significant correlations were identified between gut microbiota diversity and health parameters, emphasizing the role of microbial diversity in influencing skin condition, fat deposition, and muscle quality. Key bacterial genera such as Blautia, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, and Coprococcus exhibited significant correlations with meat quality traits. In fungi, genera like Rhodotorula exhibited positive correlations with muscle quality, while protist genera such as Cryptosporidium negatively correlated with meat quality parameters. These findings suggest that host genetics significantly shape the gut microbiota and highlight the potential for targeted microbiota management to optimize gut health, enhance feed efficiency, and improve meat quality in livestock.