Ruminal fermentation and microbial ecology of buffaloes and cattle fed the same diet

Abstract

Although buffaloes and cattle are ruminants, their digestive capabilities and rumen microbial compositions are considered to be different. The purpose of this study was to compare the rumen microbial ecology of crossbred water buffaloes and cattle that were fed the same diet. Cattle exhibited a higher fermentation rate than buffaloes. Methane production and methanogen density were lower in buffaloes. Phylogenetic analysis of Fibrobacter succinogenes-specific 16S ribosomal RNA gene clone library showed that the diversity of groups within a species was significantly different (P<0.05) between buffalo and cattle and most of the clones were affiliated with group 2 of the species. Population densities of F. succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus and R. flavefaciens were higher until 6h post-feeding in cattle; however, buffaloes exhibited different traits. The population of anaerobic fungi decreased at 3h in cattle compared to buffaloes and was similar at 0h and 6h. The diversity profiles of bacteria and fungi were similar in the two species. The present study showed that the profiles of the fermentation process, microbial population and diversity were similar in crossbred water buffaloes and crossbred cattle. © 2012 The Authors. Animal Science Journal © 2012 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Source or Periodical Title

Animal Science Journal

ISSN

13443941

Page

767-776

Document Type

Article

Subject

Anaerobic fungi, Digestion, Fibrolytic bacteria, Methanogens, Rumen

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS