Ruminal content Metagenome

In recent decades, the conservation of locally adapted livestock breeds has become crucial for animal production systems, providing a viable alternative to address climate change challenges. These genetically resilient breeds contribute to food security in developing countries and exhibit unique traits that enable them to thrive in harsh environments, making them essential for local biodiversity and sustainable management practices.The Raramuri Criollo cattle, native to the Chihuahuan Desert in northern Mexico, have undergone natural selection over five centuries, remaining free from crossbreeding with exotic breeds. Managed by indigenous communities, these cattle are known for their superior mothering behavior and heat tolerance. They also demonstrate unique grazing behaviors, exploring vast grassland areas and diversifying their diet to include cacti, forbs, and woody plants, unlike the more commonly used European breeds.Ruminants convert indigestible plant polysaccharides into absorbable nutrients through the fermentation process in the rumen, driven by a complex microbial ecosystem. This system includes bacteria, archaea, fungi, and protozoa, transforming plant material into short-chain fatty acids, microbial protein, and other metabolites that provide up to 80% of the host animal's nutrients. The prokaryotic portion of the ruminal microbiome is the most abundant and diverse, playing key roles in fiber and starch digestion, protein degradation, and methane production.The ruminal microbiome's composition is primarily influenced by the host's diet, with grazing patterns determining the colonization of specific microbial groups. Other factors, such as the host's genetics, location, heat tolerance, and seasonal changes, also impact the microbiome. Despite the wealth of research on diet's effects on microbial populations, little is known about the ruminal microbiome composition of locally adapted breeds in extreme environments. Recent studies suggest that coevolution between the ruminal microbiome and the host genome is significant under challenging conditions.Advancements in next-generation sequencing (NGS) have enabled the identification of previously undetectable microorganisms within the rumen. These technologies provide a comprehensive view of the ruminal microbiome, revealing complex interactions that underpin fermentation and nutrient absorption in ruminants.This study aimed to use NGS to characterize and compare the ruminal microbiomes of Raramuri Criollo cattle, European breeds, and their crossbreeds, all grazing under the same harsh conditions in northern Mexico. By examining these unique cattle, this research seeks to uncover host-microbiome interactions contributing to their resilience in extreme environments. These findings could inform breeding strategies to conserve and sustainably utilize locally adapted breeds, supporting more resilient animal production systems amid climate change challenges.