Host genetics influence the rumen microbiota and heritable rumen microbial features associate with feed efficiency in cattle

The symbiotic rumen microbiota is essential for the digestion of plant fibers and contributes to the variation of production and health traits in ruminants. However, to date, the heritability of rumen microbial features and host genetic components associated with the rumen microbiota, as well as whether such genetic components are animal performance relevant, are largely unknown. In the present study, we assessed rumen microbiota from a cohort of 709 beef cattle and showed that multiple factors including breed, sex, and diet drove the variation of rumen microbiota among animals. The diversity indices, the relative abundance of ~ 34% of microbial taxa (59 out of 174), and the copy number of total bacteria had a…

• AA
  Alberta Agriculture and Forestry

  Award: 2018F095R
• AI
  Alberta Innovates - Technology Futures
• UO
  University of Alberta
• AL
  Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency

  Award: 2013R029R
• NS
  Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada