Effect of Diet Supplements on Rumen Microbiome in Young Ram

The gastrointestinal microbiome of ruminants is a complex ecological system. It ferments feed components and protects the body from opportunistic and pathogenic microflora. The interaction between the microbiota and the host organism depends on the diet, which complicates the scientific understanding of their impact on digestive processes, immunity, and yield. The article describes the composition and functional profile of microbiome in the rumen of young Edilbay rams fed with organic additives based on essential microelements. The samples were obtained from seven-month-old Edilbay rams, which received Ioddar-Zn and DAFS-25 feed additives. The study involved four groups of animals: control (no additives), experimental group I (Yoddar-Zn), experimental group II (DAFS-25), and experimental group III (Yoddar-Zn + DAFS-25). The composition and functional profile of the microbiome were studied using the NGS sequencing. The bioinformatics data analysis involved Qiime2 ver. 2020.8 and standard statistical methods. The feed additives had a positive effect on the growth and development of the rams. The highest live weight indicators belonged to experimental group III, which received Yoddar-Zn and DAFS-25. The ratio of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phylum changed, indicating a potential shift in metabolic processes towards an increase in the ratio of volatile fatty acids (acetate / propionate). The greatest changes were observed in animals that consumed the selenium additive DAFS-25, both separately and with Ioddar-Zn. The additives did not increase the count of Proteobacteria, Mycoplasma, and Escherichia-Shigella, which are associated with inflammatory processes. The feed additives affected the functional profile of rumen microbiome in young rams: they improved the carbohydrate and energy metabolism, as well as the synthesis of vitamins and cofactors. In addition, the research revealed some patterns of microbiome modification, which indicated a positive effect of the additives on metabolic processes, resulting in a more efficient digestion of feed ingredients and, eventually, in increased meat yield.