Ruminal microbial responses to Moringa oleifera feed in lactating goats (Capra hircus): A metagenomic exploration

The purpose of the current study was to explore the effects of Moringa oleifera feed on the taxonomy and function of the rumen microbial community, and further to evaluate its impact on milk yield and body weight in lactating goats. Nineteen goats were divided into moringa leaf diet (ML; n = 10) and masoor straw (MS; n = 9) groups. For each group fortnight milk yield and body weight was recorded. Rumen solid and liquid fraction samples were processed for metagenomic shotgun sequencing and further analysed. The pairwise comparison between the two groups showed a significant increase (p-value- <0.01) in milk yield of the ML goats after the 4th fortnight interval onwards. The metagenomic analysis revealed Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes are the most abundant phyla, with increased Bacteroidetes in response to the moringa diet. The ML group exhibited a reduction in microbial diversity, with an increase in Prevetolla and Bacteroidales populations which are positively associated with carbohydrate, protein, and VFA metabolism, and an increased proportions of Treponema sp., Ruminococcus sp., Ruminobacter amylophilus, and Aeromonas, indicating improved cellulose and nitrogen metabolism. KEGG analysis revealed significant changes in microbial gene pool and metabolic pathways, particularly in carbohydrate metabolism, propanoate metabolism, and fatty acid synthesis genes. These microbial and functional shifts are correlated with improvements in milk yield, growth rates, and potentially reduced methane emissions.This study highlighted the potential benefits of feeding moringa in the animal production system. However, furthermore experimental evidence including genetic and environmental effects is needed for a comprehensive understanding of moringa feed's impact on goat health and productivity.