Targeting the Hindgut to Improve Health and Performance in Cattle

Abstract

An adequate gastrointestinal barrier function is essential to preserve animal health and well-being. Suboptimal gut health results in the translocation of contents from the gastrointestinal lumen across the epithelium, inducing local and systemic inflammatory responses. Inflammation is characterized by high energetic and nutrient requirements, which diverts resources away from production. Further, barrier function defects and inflammation have been both associated with several metabolic diseases in dairy cattle and liver abscesses in feedlots. The gastrointestinal tract is sensitive to several factors intrinsic to the productive cycles of dairy and beef cattle. Among them, high grain diets, commonly fed to support lactation and growth, are potentially detrimental for rumen health due to their increased fermentability, representing the main risk factor for the development of acidosis. Furthermore, the increase in dietary starch associated with such rations frequently results in an increase in the bypass fraction reaching distal sections of the intestine. The effects of high grain diets in the hindgut are comparable to those in the rumen and, thus, hindgut acidosis likely plays a role in grain overload syndrome. However, the relative contribution of the hindgut to this syndrome remains unknown. Nutritional strategies designed to support hindgut health might represent an opportunity to sustain health and performance in bovines.

Effects of supplemental calcium gluconate embedded in a hydrogenated fat matrix on lactation, digestive, and metabolic variables in dairy cattle

“…The gastrointestinal tract is highly sensitive to a plethora of factors intrinsic to the lifecycle of dairy cows. As recently reviewed by Sanz-Fernandez et al (2020), the hindgut is susceptible to acidosis, much like the rumen; however, due to a variety of physiological and structural differences, it may be less capable of tolerating an acidotic challenge than the rumen, resulting in increased permeability to xenobiotic compounds and the repartitioning of energy to support an immune response (Fox et al, 2005;Kvidera et al, 2017). In human and nonruminant models, eubiotic supplementation is an extensive practice aimed at promoting microbiome stability in the large intestine.…”

Gut Microbiota and Their Role in Health and Metabolic Disease of Dairy Cow

“…Ulcers in the dairy cow are more common in the duodenum and abomasum. They are often observed in cows and buffaloes than in sheep ( 119 , 120 ). Ulcers are mostly associated with improper feed intake, over grazing stress, microbial infection, and malnutrition.…”

Microbiome Clusters Disclose Physiologic Variances in Dairy Cows Challenged by Calving and Lipopolysaccharides

“…This diet malnourishes protective, mucus-stimulating gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium ( 7 ), and promotes potentially pathogenic consortia ( 8 ). Even though it promotes high productivity, this new microbial community is accompanied by gastrointestinal acidosis, followed by epithelial leakiness ( 9 ). The decrease in mucus thickness soon exposes the underlying bare gut epithelia and increases the risk of infection ( 6 , 7 , 9 ).…”

“…Even though it promotes high productivity, this new microbial community is accompanied by gastrointestinal acidosis, followed by epithelial leakiness ( 9 ). The decrease in mucus thickness soon exposes the underlying bare gut epithelia and increases the risk of infection ( 6 , 7 , 9 ). Such a “leaky gut” poses open gates for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and other immune triggers, reaching the bloodstream and contributing to a latent inflammatory status ( 6 , 8 – 12 ).…”

“…The decrease in mucus thickness soon exposes the underlying bare gut epithelia and increases the risk of infection ( 6 , 7 , 9 ). Such a “leaky gut” poses open gates for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and other immune triggers, reaching the bloodstream and contributing to a latent inflammatory status ( 6 , 8 – 12 ). This cascade of increased intestinal stress makes the host more sensitive to infections or health issues, thereby triggering a downward spiral of the physiological state.…”