The application of DNA sequencing technologies as an aid in the metaanalysis of the ruminal microbiome and beef steers from a commercial feedlot

Next generation sequencing tools have revolutionized analysis of the rumen microbiome, but it is impossible to make equivalent predictions about the impact of microbial popula-tions on host animal energy status solely based on their qualitative presence in the rumen, or their quantitative population numbers alone. To evaluate the rumen microbial popula-tion’s effect on cattle production there must be a holistic understanding of the microbial ecosystem trophic niches, degradative activities, biosynthetic pathways, populations, and interactions between feedstuffs, ruminal microbes, and the ruminant animal. An evaluation of the association between the ruminal microbiota fermentation and cattle feed efficiency was conducted utilizing DNA sequencing. Although the sample size was small, findings suggested more efficient steers in the feedlot stage had ruminal microbial populations that were more involved in fiber degradation. A second study was conducted to assess the role of Non-Protein Nitrogen (NPN) on the in vitro mixed ruminal microorganism fermentation.