Effect of Fermented Concentrate on Ruminal Fermentation, Ruminal and Fecal Microbiome, and Growth Performance of Beef Cattle

Abstract

The impact of fermented concentrate on the growth and rumen health of beef cattle remains an area of emerging research. This study aimed to assess the influence of a fermented concentrate (TRT) compared to a conventional concentrate (CON) on the growth, rumen fermentation characteristics, and microbiota composition in Korean cattle. Using a crossover design, eight cattle were alternately fed TRT and CON diets, with subsequent analysis of feed components, rumen fermentation parameters, and microbial profiles. TRT and CON diets did not differ significantly in their effect on animal growth metrics. However, the TRT diet was associated with reduced digestibility of rapidly degradable carbohydrates and modified rumen fermentation patterns, as evidenced by an elevated pH and increased acetate-to-propionate ratio (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the TRT diet increased the abundance of lactic acid bacteria, Bacillus, and yeast and organic acid levels in the rumen (p < 0.05). Moreover, Lachnospiraceae and Bacteroidales populations in the rumen and fecal Akkermansia abundance increased in the TRT group compared to the CON group. These microbial changes suggest a potential enhancement of the immune system and overall health of the host. Further research on the long-term implications of incorporating fermented concentrate into cattle diets is warranted.

The Effects of Unconventional Feed Fermentation on Intestinal Oxidative Stress in Animals

“…Fermented feed plays a key role in antioxidant activity [ 22 , 106 , 107 ] as it is rich in antioxidants (e.g., vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenols), and some microbial metabolites produced during fermentation also have an antioxidant capacity, which helps maintain the redox balance in the body [ 108 ]. In addition, other significant advantages of fermented feed are that it improves the utilization rate of feed nutrients, effectively improves the nutritional level of animals, and enhances the ability to resist oxidative stress [ 109 , 110 ]. Indeed, the use of fermented feed not only provides antioxidants and microbial metabolites, but also promotes the absorption of nutrients, which is an important breeding strategy that is beneficial to animal health and physiological balance.…”

“…Antioxidants 2024, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 26 rate of feed nutrients, effectively improves the nutritional level of animals, and enhances the ability to resist oxidative stress [109,110]. Indeed, the use of fermented feed not only provides antioxidants and microbial metabolites, but also promotes the absorption of nutrients, which is an important breeding strategy that is beneficial to animal health and physiological balance.…”

Effect of Lupin Supplementation on the Growth, Carcass, and Meat Characteristics of Late-Fattening Hanwoo Steers

“…In Korea, ongoing research focuses on shortening the fattening period and determining appropriate nutritional levels for cattle [1,28]. Currently, lupin is utilized at a rate of 2-4% in the feed of beef cattle, particularly Hanwoo steers [29][30][31]. However, there is a lack of research regarding the optimal level of lupin for late-fattening Hanwoo steers.…”