Bovine rumen Targeted Locus (Loci)

A same-aged group of 14 Holstein cows was followed through the course of their first two lactation cycles (2012-2014). During each lactation cycle the ruminal solids and liquids, milk samples and production data, and feed consumption values were collected for Early (76-82 days in milk, or DIM), Middle (151-157 DIM), and Late (251-257 DIM) lactation periods. The ruminal bacterial community for each sample was determined by sequencing the V6-V8 variable region of the 16S rRNA gene using 454 pyrosequencing. These sequences were used to investigate links between the ruminal bacterial community and host production over time