Host genetics exerts lifelong effects upon hindgut microbiota and its association with bovine growth and immunity

With the support of the SARE grant, we evaluated the difference in the gut microbiota composition between Brahman and Angus cattle throughout the production lifecycle using the multibreed Angus-Brahman herd, which contributes to the variation in immune function and growth rate between the two breeds. We identified disease-resistant Brahman cattle harbored a higher abundance of beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria (e.g., Roseburia and Oscillospira) throughout life. These results shed light on developing potential probiotics from the butyrate producers.