A Novel Approach for Monitoring the Volatile Metabolome in Biological Samples from Ruminants through Miniaturized Liquid–Liquid Extraction and Multiclass Gas Chromatography Analysis

Abstract

A straightforward and versatile methodology for the extraction of volatile metabolites in biological samples from ruminants for gas chromatography analysis is proposed. The methodology was applied in the determination of multiclass metabolites (short-chain fatty acids, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, esters, phenols, and sulfides) in different analytical matrices (rumen fluid, urine, and feces) collected from Holstein cows. The 24 multiclass volatile metabolites reported in the different biological samples and their respective concentrations were critically discussed in the context of digestive physiology. Most detected compounds are derived from the rumen and lower gut fermentation of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids or their metabolism, being consistent with the prior state of the art. The proposed method also takes advantage of the already existing tools in animal nutrition laboratories, providing a novel methodological ground that can generate relevant bioanalytical information with a significant impact on ruminant's nutritional studies.

Integrating Omics Technologies for a Comprehensive Understanding of the Microbiome and Its Impact on Cattle Production

“…For instance, variations in rumen fluid metabolomics were observed among steers displaying distinct feed efficiency levels. Notably, around 90 metabolites exhibited differences between high- and low-efficiency animals, largely implicated in fatty acid and amino acid metabolism [ 120 ]. Interestingly, divergences in plasma metabolites, notably pertaining to fatty acids, were also noted between animals characterized by differing feed efficiency.…”

“…Interestingly, divergences in plasma metabolites, notably pertaining to fatty acids, were also noted between animals characterized by differing feed efficiency. However, the concentrations of fatty acids demonstrated disparities between the rumen and plasma metabolomes, hinting at the involvement of additional factors influencing metabolite translocation from the rumen to the bloodstream [120]. [117].…”