Microbial community from the rumen of feedlot steers Targeted Locus (Loci). gut metagenome

Feed is the primary cost associated with beef production. Cattle’s digestive system contains bacteria that ferment the feed which aids in digestion. The nutrient profile that the animal receives is dictated by the fermentation products of the bacteria. The bacterial community will determine what fermentation products the animal will be presented. The relationship between bacterial community and feed efficiency is poorly understood. We found that there are shifts in populations of some bacteria associated with feed efficiency.