Effect of Camelina sativa seeds on rumen microbiota and fermentation in dairy sheep

Lay Summary Camelina sativa seeds have gained attention as a promising protein-energy alternative to soybean meal feed ingredient for ruminants. They also supply beneficial unsaturated fats, although their glucosinolate content may pose challenges for ruminant feeding. While many researches have focused on animal performance, few have explored the effect of Camelina sativa seeds on rumen function and microbial communities, which play a key role in digestion, nutrient use, animal performance, and greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, dairy ewes were fed diets containing different amounts of Camelina sativa seeds. Rumen content samples were collected and analysed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to identify changes in the microbial community. The findings show that different inclusion levels of Camelina sativa seeds in the diet can influence the balance of rumen microbes, particularly those involved in fibre degradation, carbohydrate fermentation, and the processing of dietary fats. Differences were also observed between microbes attached to feed particles and those floating in the liquid part of the rumen. While more research is needed, these findings build on earlier research and suggest that Camelina sativa seeds can be a valuable component of ruminant diets, supporting both animal productivity and sustainability goals.