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Comparative Study
. 2021 Jun 25;17(1):224.
doi: 10.1186/s12917-021-02922-w.

Inter and intraspecies comparison of the level of selected bacterial phyla in in cattle and sheep based on feces

Natalia Szeligowska  1 , Paulina Cholewińska  2 , Katarzyna Czyż  1 , Konrad Wojnarowski  1 , Marzena Janczak  1
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Inter and intraspecies comparison of the level of selected bacterial phyla in in cattle and sheep based on feces

Natalia Szeligowska et al. BMC Vet Res. .

Abstract

Background: The microbiome of the digestive tract of ruminants contains microbial ecosystem that is affected by both environmental and genetic factors. The subject of this study concerns the influence of selected genetic factors, such as species of animals and "host" individual differences on the digestive tract microbiome composition. The results show the core microbiological composition (Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes) of ruminants digestive tract (based on feces) depending on breed and "host". The Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla are the most abundant in ruminants digestive tract. The aim of the study was to determine the differences prevalence level of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla in feces of Charolaise cattle and Polish Olkuska Sheep with respect to intra- and inter-species variability.

Results: The research group in the experiment consisted of animals at the age of 3 months kept in the same environmental conditions - rams of Polish Olkuska Sheep (n = 10) and Charolaise bulls (n = 10). Feces were collected individually from each animal (animals without disease symptoms were selected), living on the same environmental conditions. The analysis of the results in terms of species showed differences in the Firmicutes phylum level and Lactobacillaceae family between rams and bulls. Subsequently, the analysis performed for the "host effect" showed differentiation in the levels of the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla between individuals in a group and also between the groups.

Conclusion: The obtained results suggest that, apart from the diet and the environment, the species and the individual host are equally important factors influencing the microbiological composition of the digestive system of ruminants.

Keywords: Cattle; Digestive tract; Genetic factors; Microbiome; Ruminants; Sheep.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Level of RNE of selected phyla and family in rams and bulls feces (p > 0.05 – a, b; p > 0.01 – A, B)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Individual bacteria differences in rams feces
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Individual bacteria differences in bulls feces
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Comparison of the level of studied phyla in rams and bulls feces
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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