Effects of cotton straw and apple pomace mixed ensilage on growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, rumen microbiota and metabolome of Xinjiang Brown cattle

in the Tre group was significantly increased. LC-MS analysis revealed that the contents of beneficial metabolites such as N-Acetyl-L-methionine and Resveratrol were increased in the Tre group. In conclusion, cotton straw and apple pomace mixed ensilage feed can be used as an effective substitute for corn silage, modulating the rumen microbial community structure and altering the metabolite profile, thereby improving meat juiciness. This study provides theoretical support for the resourceful and high-value utilization of agricultural by-products such as cotton straw and fruit pomace in Xinjiang.