Inoculation with rumen fluid in early life accelerates the rumen microbial development and favours the weaning process in goats

Abstract Background Newborn ruminants possess an underdeveloped rumen which is colonized by microorganisms acquired from adult animals and the surrounding environment. This microbial transfer can be limited in dairy systems newborns are separated their dams at birth. study explores whether direct inoculation of fresh or autoclaved fluid goats to newborn kids has a beneficial effect on development function. Results Repetitive young with adapted forage (RFF) concentrate diets (RFC) accelerated colonization during pre-weaning period leading high protozoal numbers, greater diversity bacterial (+ 234 OTUs), methanogens 6 OTUs) communities 25 than observed control (CTL) without inoculation. also increased size core community abundance key bacteria ( Ruminococcaceae, Fibrobacteres, Veillonellaceae, Rikenellaceae, Tenericutes ), Methanobrevibacter ruminantium , Methanomicrobium mobile Group 9 anaerobic fungi Piromyces Orpinomyces ) taxa Enoploplastron, Diplodinium, Polyplastron, Ophryoscolex, Isotricha Dasytricha before weaning whereas CTL remained protozoa-free through study. Most these were positively correlated indicators microbiological physiological (higher intakes animal growth post-weaning period) favoring process RFF RFC comparison kids. Some differences tended decrease period, although retained more complex matured ecosystem Inoculation promoted lower using inocula, but it favored rapid for Conclusions demonstrated that was associated earlier functional development. strategy facilitated smoother transition milk solid feed performance minimizing stress.