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Review
. 2023 Sep 18;10(9):579.
doi: 10.3390/vetsci10090579.

Beta-Adrenergic Agonists, Dietary Protein, and Rumen Bacterial Community Interactions in Beef Cattle: A Review

Alison P Pfau  1 , Elizabeth A Shepherd  1 , M Gabbi Martin  1 , Sophia Ascolese  1 , Katie M Mason  1 , Amanda M Egert-McLean  1 , Brynn H Voy  1 , Phillip R Myer  1
Affiliations
Review

Beta-Adrenergic Agonists, Dietary Protein, and Rumen Bacterial Community Interactions in Beef Cattle: A Review

Alison P Pfau et al. Vet Sci. .

Abstract

Improving beef production efficiency, sustainability, and food security is crucial for meeting the growing global demand for beef while minimizing environmental impact, conserving resources, ensuring economic viability, and promoting animal welfare. Beta-adrenergic agonists and dietary protein have been critical factors in beef cattle production. Beta-agonists enhance growth, improve feed efficiency, and influence carcass composition, while dietary protein provides the necessary nutrients for muscle development and overall health. A balanced approach to their use and incorporation into cattle diets can lead to more efficient and sustainable beef production. However, microbiome technologies play an increasingly important role in beef cattle production, particularly by optimizing rumen fermentation, enhancing nutrient utilization, supporting gut health, and enhancing feed efficiency. Therefore, optimizing rumen fermentation, diet, and growth-promoting technologies has the potential to increase energy capture and improve performance. This review addresses the interactions among beta-adrenergic agonists, protein level and source, and the ruminal microbiome. By adopting innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and responsible management strategies, the beef industry can contribute to a more secure and sustainable food future. Continued research and development in this field can lead to innovative solutions that benefit both producers and the environment.

Keywords: beta-adrenergic agonists; microbiome; protein; ractopamine hydrochloride; rumen.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mechanism of action of beta-adrenoreceptors. (RAC) ractopamine hydrochloride, (β-AR) beta-adrenergic receptor, (Gα, Gβ, Gγ) Gs protein, (AC) Adenylyl Cyclase enzyme, (ATP) Adenosine Triphosphate (cAMP) Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′- Monophosphate. (Adapted from [23,26]).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Proposed mode of action of beta-adrenergic agonists in the accretion of muscle growth and adiposity reduction (adapted from [23]).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Possible mechanisms of Akt activation by beta-adrenoreceptors signaling that causes myofiber hypertrophy. (RAC) ractopamine hydrochloride, (β-AR) beta-adrenergic receptor, (Gα, Gβ, Gγ) Gs protein, (ATP) Adenosine Triphosphate, (cAMP) cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate, (PKA) protein kinase A, (Akt) protein kinase B, (CREB) cAMP response element-binding protein, (FoxO) Forkhead box transcription factor, class O, (IGF-1) insulin-like growth factor-1, (PI3K) phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, (mTOR) mammalian target of rapamycin. (Adapted from [26]).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Schematic representation of protein degradation process in the rumen. (Adapted from [26]).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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