Metagenomic analysis of rumen microbiota in heat-stressed and thermoneutral Holstein dairy cows

This study investigates the impact of heat stress on the rumen microbial community of mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows using metagenomic sequencing. Thirty healthy cows were assigned to two environmental conditions based on the temperature humidity index (THI): thermoneutral (THI below 68) and heat stress (THI above 68). Rumen fluid samples were collected and subjected to high-throughput sequencing to evaluate alterations in microbial composition and functional pathways. The findings aim to provide insights into how environmental stress affects rumen microbiota and potentially influences dairy cow health and productivity.