Composition of the rumen archaeal community of growing camels fed different concentrate levels

Abstract

AbstractUnderstanding the rumen fermentation and methanogenic community in camels fed intensively is critical for optimizing rumen fermentation, improving feed efficiency, and lowering methane emissions. Using Illumina MiSeq sequencing, quantitative real-time PCR, and high-performance liquid chromatography, this study evaluates the influence of different concentrate supplement levels in the diet on rumen fermentation as well as the diversity and structure of the rumen methanogenic community for growing dromedary camels. Twelve growing camels were divided into three groups and given three levels of concentrate supplement, 0.7% (C1), 1% (C2), and 1.3% (C3) based on their body weight. All animals were fed alfalfa hay ad libitum. The levels of total volatile fatty acid, rumen ammonia, and methanogen copy number were unaffected by the supplementation level. Increasing the concentrate supplement level increased the proportion of propionic acid while decreasing the proportion of acetic acid. Increasing the level of concentrate in the diet had no effect on alpha diversity metrics or beta diversity of rumen methanogens. Methanobrevibacter and Methanosphaera predominated the methanogenic community and were declined as concentrate supplement level increased. This study sheds new light on the effect of concentrate supplement level in growing camels’ diet on rumen fermentation and methanogenic community, which could help in the development of a strategy that aimed to reduce methane emissions and enhance feed efficiency.