Rumen microbiome influences feed efficiency in beef cattle. bovine gut metagenome

In this study, we hypothesized that specific bacterial features influence feed efficiency phenotype of beef cattle. The rumen bacterial community composition from two cohorts of animals (heifers and steers) was determined through 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify differentially abundant bacterial groups across varying feed efficiency phenotypes. Based on the differential abundant bacterial groups, models were built and tested to explain the variation in feed efficiency traits (average daily gain, average daily dry matter intake, and gain-to-feed efficiency.