Randomized trial demonstrates the role of SPINK5 in regulating rumen microbiota and fermentation in dairy cattle, highlighting potential breeding strategies.
Key Points
This research aims to explore how the SPINK5 gene affects rumen microbiota and fermentation traits in dairy cattle.
Integrated genomic, rumen microbiome, and fermentation data from 603 lactating Holstein cows across five farms.
Conducted genome-wide association analysis focusing on fermentation traits to identify key genes.
Examined the effects of SPINK5 knockdown and overexpression on epithelial barrier properties.
Identified 54 heritable microbial taxa related to rumen microbiota diversity.
Found a chromosome 7 hotspot linked to butyrate and propionate concentrations, prioritizing SPINK5 as a candidate gene.
Demonstrated that SPINK5 regulates epithelial barrier permeability, impacting microbial community structure and fermentation efficiency.