Effects of Dandelion Extracts on the Ruminal Microbiota, Metabolome, and Systemic Inflammation in Dairy Goats Fed a High-Concentrate Diet

This study examined the effect of dandelion extracts on the ruminal microbiota, metabolome, and inflammatory response in dairy goats fed a high-concentrate diet. Eighteen Guanzhong dairy goats were assigned to three groups: low-concentrate diet group (L group, F:C = 60:40), high-concentrate diet group (H group, F:C = 35:65), and dandelion group (D) with 1% dandelion extracts based on the H group. Over six weeks, milk, blood, and ruminal fluid were collected to analyze pH, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), inflammatory markers, microbiome, and metabolome. Feed intake was significantly higher in the H and D groups than in the L group. Ruminal pH decreased in the H group, acetate was significantly higher in the L and D groups, and serum IgA was higher in D group. <i>Bacteroidetes</i> and <i>Firmicutes</i> were dominant rumen phyla, and dandelion supplementation significantly increased <i>Proteobacteria</i>. <i>Prevotella</i> abundance was enriched in the L and D groups and showed a positive correlation with acetate. Dandelion extracts also increased the production of trans-3-Hydroxy-L-proline and 7-Ethyl-5,6-dihydro-1,4-dimethylazulene in the rumen while improving amino acid and lipid metabolism. Overall, supplementation of dandelion extracts positively influenced rumen microbiota, enhanced production of beneficial metabolites, and positively influenced immune function in dairy goats fed high-concentrate diet.