Analysis of the microbiota of ruminal fluid and faeces from Holstein-Friesian dairy cows fed a microbial supplement

A lactobacilli-based direct fed microbial supplement was given to 2-4 year old Holstein-Friesian dairy cows over a 16-month period. Faeces, milk and ruminal fluid was sampled every 2 months and the microbiota identified by sequencing and analysis of 16S rRNA. This data was analysed with respect to a range of productivity data measured from the cows over the same period, such as average milk production.