Effects of <i>Lycium barbarum</i> Residue Substituting Dietary Maize on Fecal Microbiota and Growth Performance of Crossbred Simmental Cattle

ABSTRACT Because of the global shortage of maize resources, the identification of environmentally sustainable and economically viable maize substitutes is imperative for the sustainable intensification of the livestock sector. This study evaluated the effects of dietary replacement of maize with Lycium barbarum residue (LBR) on the growth performance and fecal microbiota of crossbred Simmental cattle. A total of 20 male crossbred Simmental cattle (6 months old, 601.90 ± 34.33 kg) were randomly divided into 2 groups: control group (CON), fed basic diet; LBR group, fed 1.80% LBR replacing maize for 45 days. Results showed that growth performance and anti‐inflammatory capacity were significantly enhanced in the LBR group ( p &lt; 0.05). In addition, LBR maintained serum redox homeostasis. Through 16S rRNA genome sequencing, LBR significantly increased the abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Oscillospiraceae_UCG_005 in feces ( p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group exhibited positive correlation with average daily gain ( p &lt; 0.05). PICRUSt functional prediction analysis showed that LBR significantly changed the fatty acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism pathways. In conclusion, LBR as a dietary maize substitute can effectively improve the growth performance of crossbred Simmental cattle, which may be due to its regulating anti‐inflammatory ability, redox homeostasis, and fecal microbiota.