Microbial Communities in the Guts of Beef Cattle
Author Information
Author(s): Young J. Daniel, Pinnell Lee J., Wolfe Cory A., Doster Enrique, Valeris-Chacin Robert, Lawrence Ty E., Richeson John T., Morley Paul S.
Primary Institution: West Texas A&M University
Hypothesis
This study aimed to characterize microbial community structures of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and feces of cattle.
Conclusion
The study found significant differences in microbial abundance and composition across different regions of the gastrointestinal tract in beef cattle.
Supporting Evidence
- Total microbial abundance was lesser in the small intestine than in other GIT regions.
- Microbial communities in the small intestine had lower richness and diversity than other regions.
- Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteria were the dominant phyla in all samples.
Takeaway
Scientists studied the bacteria in the stomachs of cows and found that different parts of their stomachs have different types of bacteria.
Methodology
Samples were collected from 18 Akaushi crossbred steers at harvest from multiple locations in the GIT, and microbial abundance was assessed using qPCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
Limitations
No single GIT location can adequately represent the microbial communities of the entire GIT.
Participant Demographics
Eighteen Akaushi cross-bred steers raised without exposure to antimicrobial drugs or hormone implants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95%CI: 356, 407 kg
Statistical Significance
p≤0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website