Changes in Ruminal Dynamics and Microbial Populations Derived from Supplementation with a Protein Concentrate for Cattle with the Inclusion of Non-Conventional Feeding Sources
2025
Diana Sofía Torres-Velázquez | Daniel Francisco Ramos-Rosales | Manuel Murillo-Ortiz | Jesús Bernardo Páez-Lerma | Juan Antonio Rojas-Contreras | Karina Aide Araiza-Ponce | Damián Reyes-Jáquez
Feed supplementation strategies are essential for optimizing cattle productivity, and the incorporation of non-conventional feed resources may reduce both production costs and environmental impact. This study evaluated the effects of pelletized protein concentrates (including <i>Acacia farnesiana</i>, <i>A. schaffneri</i>, and <i>Agave duranguensis</i> bagasse) on rumen fermentation parameters, microbial communities, and gas emissions. Fistulated bullocks received the concentrate daily, and ruminal contents were collected and filtered before and after supplementation to assess in vitro gas and methane production, pH, and microbial composition using high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA and <i>mcrA</i> amplicons. In addition, in situ degradability was evaluated during and after the supplementation period. Supplementation led to a significant (<i>p</i> < 0.05) reduction in degradability parameters and methane production, along with a marked decrease in the abundance of <i>Methanobrevibacter</i> and an increase in succinate-producing taxa. These effects were attributed to the enhanced levels of non-fiber carbohydrates, hemicellulose, crude protein, and the presence of bioactive secondary metabolites and methanol. Rumen microbiota composition was consistent with previously described core communities, and <i>mcrA</i>-based sequencing proved to be a valuable tool for targeted methanogen detection. Overall, the inclusion of non-conventional ingredients in protein concentrates may improve ruminal fermentation efficiency and contribute to methane mitigation in ruminants, although further in vivo trials on a larger scale are recommended.
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