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Abstract
This study explores the complexity of the rumen microbiome in Angus bulls and evaluates the feasibility of buccal swabbing as a non-invasive alternative for microbial analysis. While effective, traditional methods like rumen cannulation and orogastric intubation pose challenges in terms of animal welfare and practicality. Samples were collected from 541 Angus bulls across various feed testing centers, with DNA extracted from both ruminal and buccal samples. Advanced microbial genomics and metagenomics techniques were employed to analyze these samples. As distinct microbial communities were found between buccal and rumen samples, our findings indicate that the oral microbiome may not be a straightforward surrogate for rumen microbial communities. This realization underscores the necessity of directly examining the rumen microbiome for accurate insights into its composition and function. The study's results highlight the microbiome's critical role in ruminant health and suggest pathways for targeted interventions to enhance feed efficiency, reduce methane emissions, and improve animal well-being.