Comparison of Rumen Fermentation and Microbiome of Rumen Samples Collected via Cannula or Stomach Tube

Nirali Pathak

Authors:  Nirali Pathak, Hao Guan, Kathy G. Arriola, Carlos Nino de Guzman, Ignacio Fernandez, Felipe Amaro, Adeoye Oyebade, Luiz Ferraretto, Diwakar Vyas  

Faculty Mentor:  Dr. Diwakar Vyas

College:  College of Veterinary Medicine 

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare fermentation profile, and microbial diversity from rumen samples collected using rumen cannula or stomach tube in lactating dairy cows. Three ruminally cannulated lactating dairy cows were used as rumen fluid donors. Treatments were rumen fluid collected from Stomach tube (ST) or from rumen cannula (C). The pH of rumen contents was measured immediately after collection and rumen samples were analyzed for volatile fatty acid (VFA), ammonia-N (NH3-N) concentration, and metagenome. Data were analyzed using GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Rumen pH was greater for ST compared to C (6.87 vs 6.25). However, NH3-N (15.2 vs 10.6 mg/dL) and total VFA (121.8 vs 95.5 mM) was greater for C compared to ST. The bacterial community was dominated by the phylum Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Cyanobacteria, regardless of the rumen fluid collection method. However, the abundance of Bacteroidetes was greater while abundance of Firmicutes was lower for ST compared with C. The rumen fluid collection methods had no effects on Chao 1 and Shannon index. In conclusion, molar proportion of individual VFA, Chao1, and Shannon index were similar while rumen pH, NH3-N, and total VFA were affected by the rumen fluid collection method.

Poster Pitch

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Poster

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11 Responses
  1. Daria Muklewicz

    Hey Nirali, I really learned a lot about how the rumen of the cow works through your research. So proud of you and keep up the good work!

  2. Nicole Abruzzo

    Hi Nirali,
    Based on your results, do you predict a shift away from cannulation for this type of sampling?
    Thanks!

    1. Nirali Pathak

      Yes these results support a shift away from rumen cannulation. Although rumen cannulation proved to provide the best data in terms of fermentation and microbiome diversity, the data from esophageal tube sampling can be just as valuable if future researchers account for those differences.

      Additionally, the increasing public concern for animal welfare will require researchers to shift away from cannulation.

  3. Nirali:

    I am sorry that I was not able to join you on your Zoom meeting. There were many students and too little time. I enjoyed watching your presentation. You did a great job explaining your research and what you learned as a result of your research. You poster was very well laid out and effectively communicated your research.

    Doc W

    1. Nirali Pathak

      Thank you, Dr. Wysocki! Seeing that you took the time to watch my presentation means a lot to me!