Gut microbiome colonization and development in neonatal ruminants: Strategies, prospects, and opportunities

Abstract

Colonization and development of the gut microbiome is a crucial consideration for optimizing the health and performance of livestock animals. This is mainly attributed to the fact that dietary and management practices greatly influence the gut microbiota, subsequently leading to changes in nutrient utilization and immune response. A favorable microbiome can be implanted through dietary or management interventions of livestock animals, especially during early life. In this review, we explore all the possible factors (for example gestation, colostrum, and milk feeding, drinking water, starter feed, inoculation from healthy animals, prebiotics/probiotics, weaning time, essential oil and transgenesis), which can influence rumen microbiome colonization and development. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of potential strategies used to manipulate gut development and microbial colonization to improve the production and health of newborn calves at an early age when they are most susceptible to enteric disease. Moreover, we provide insights into possible interventions and their potential effects on rumen development and microbiota establishment. Prospects of latest techniques like transgenesis and host genetics have also been discussed regarding their potential role in modulation of rumen microbiome and subsequent effects on gut development and performance in neonatal ruminants.

Keywords: Gut development; Health; Microbial colonization; Performance; Rumen microbiota.

Fig. 1

Possible factors involved in rumen microbial colonization during early life.

Fig. 2

Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the expansion of eosinophils in ileal tissue. NLRP3 inflammasome (member of multi-protein innate immune complex) regulates intestinal homeostasis (Hirota et al., 2011). Interleukin-1 alpha (IL1A) and interleukin-1 beta (IL1β) proteins are mediated through NLRP3 inflammasome. IL1A, known as “pro-inflammatory”, stimulates the activity of genes involved in inflammation and immunity (Lee et al., 2008). IL1β is involved in T-cell activation, antibody production, and promotes Th17 differentiation of T-cells (Tominaga et al., 2000). NLRP3 = NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3.