Inhibition of enteric methanogenesis in dairy cows induces changes in plasma metabolome highlighting metabolic shifts and potential markers of emission

Abstract

There is scarce information on whether inhibition of rumen methanogenesis induces metabolic changes on the host ruminant. Understanding these possible changes is important for the acceptance of methane-reducing practices by producers. In this study we explored the changes in plasma profiles associated with the reduction of methane emissions. Plasma samples were collected from lactating primiparous Holstein cows fed the same diet with (Treated, n = 12) or without (Control, n = 13) an anti-methanogenic feed additive for six weeks. Daily methane emissions (CH4, g/d) were reduced by 23% in the Treated group with no changes in milk production, feed intake, body weight, and biochemical indicators of health status. Plasma metabolome analyses were performed using untargeted [nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS)] and targeted (LC–MS/MS) approaches. We identified 48 discriminant metabolites. Some metabolites mainly of microbial origin such as dimethylsulfone, formic acid and metabolites containing methylated groups like stachydrine, can be related to rumen methanogenesis and can potentially be used as markers. The other discriminant metabolites are produced by the host or have a mixed microbial-host origin. These metabolites, which increased in treated cows, belong to general pathways of amino acids and energy metabolism suggesting a systemic non-negative effect on the animal.

Bovine host genome acts on specific metabolism, communication and genetic processes of rumen microbes host-genomically linked to methane emissions

“…lactate-producing bacteria and thiamine metabolism). The latter result supports our hypothesis that hosts genomically resilient to gut disorders produce less CH 4 , which agrees with studies demonstrating that blocking methanogenesis has no undesirable effects on cattle health status or feed intake 83 , genetically-low CH 4 -emitter sheep showed greater parasite resistance 125 , and high CH 4 emissions in human breath are associated with intestinal tract delay, chronic constipation 126 , and obesity 127 . A further highlight of our study is that the host genome influenced the ABC transport of different metabolites (some of them in quorum sensing processes), interspecies electron transfer, sensitivity of environmental conditions, and host-microbiome interaction mechanisms associated with CH 4 emissions.…”

Milk metabolome reveals variations on enteric methane emissions from dairy cows fed a specific inhibitor of the methanogenesis pathway

“…As expected, there were no major differences between groups in DMI, milk production, and milk gross composition. In contrast, we observed a reduction of ~23% in enteric methane emissions (g of CH 4 /d) in the treated group (reported in Yanibada et al, 2020).…”

“…The effects of the treatment on methane emissions and animal performance were reported elsewhere (Yanibada et al, 2020) and are discussed here in relation to milk metabolites. Briefly, enteric methane emission decreased ~23% in treated cows, whereas no differences in DMI, milk production, or BW were observed.…”

“…Ruminal bacteria produce iso FA from branched-chain AA Leu and Val and their fermentation products (Massart- Leën and Massart, 1981;Vlaeminck et al, 2006). A reduction of the relative concentration of these essential AA was detected in plasma (Yanibada et al, 2020) and milk of treated cows (see below), and it may be the reason for the lower proportion of OBCFA. Additional measures on the ruminal metabolome and microbiome of 2.…”

“…The experimental design was previously described (Yanibada et al, 2020). Briefly, 25 Holstein primiparous dairy cows in the same lactation stage (55 ± 10 DIM; mean ± SD) were paired according to calving, DMI and milk yield, and split into 2 balanced groups (control, n = 13; treated, n = 12).…”