Breed and diet influence the ruminal bacterial community of sheep
2022
Greenwood, E. C. | Torok, V. A. | Hynd, P. I.
Context Ruminal microbial communities are important in production ruminants, as they can affect health and production efficiency. Differences between meat- and wool-producing sheep breeds have not yet been fully explored. Aims In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of diet on ruminal microbial populations of sheep selected for different production traits, namely, meat production (White Suffolk) and wool production, and quality (Poll Merino). Methods The study utilised 24 White Suffolk and 24 Poll Merino ewes, assigned to either a roughage (20% pellet and 80% chaff) or high-grain diet (80% pellet and 20% chaff). Following acclimatisation for 21 days, they each had a ruminal sample taken and analysed for bacterial communities, using 16S rRNA sequencing. Entry and exit weight of the ewes and their feed intake were measured. Key results There was a preference for the high-grain diet (P Conclusions We have demonstrated that although diet strongly influences the ruminal microbiota, there is a significant interaction between diet and breed in effects on ruminal microbiota and also animal performance. Implications The differences in microbial composition between breeds were related to some of the animal productivity differences of the two breeds, indicating that at least some of the genetic differences in animal productivity are generated by differences in the responsiveness of the ruminal microbiota to diet.
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