Transcriptomic impacts of rumen epithelium induced by butyrate infusion in dairy cattle in dry period

Authors: RANILLA-GARCIA, MARIA - University Of Leon; Baldwin, Ransom - Randy; Li, Robert; JIA, YANKAI - Johns Hopkins University; Li, Congjun - Cj

Submitted to: European Association of Animal Production Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2018
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Using next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics we sought to develop a better understanding of regulation in rumen epithelial transcriptome of cattle in the dry period induced by butyrate infusion at the level of the whole transcriptome. Butyrate, a byproduct of ruminal fermentation of feedstuffs is also a central element in control of ruminal epithelial differentiation. Following baseline control sampling at 0 h (CON), a 2.5 M solution of butyrate was continuously infused into the rumen for 168 h at a rate of 5.0 L/day. The infusion was then stopped, and cows were maintained on the basal ration for an additional 168 h. Rumen epithelial samples were serially collected via grab biopsy through rumen fistulae at 0, 24, 72, 168 h (D0, D1, D3, D7) and 168 h post infusion (D 14). Compared to CON (pre-infusion at 0 h), a total of 3513 genes were identified to be impacted in the rumen epithelium by butyrate infusion at least once at the different sampling time points at a stringent cutoff of FDR < 0.01. The maximal effect of butyrate was observed at D7. Among these impacted genes, 117 genes were responsive consistently from D1 to D14, and another 42 genes only through D7. Temporal effects induced by butyrate infusion indicate that the transcriptomic alterations are very dynamic. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that in the early stage of rumen butyrate infusion (on D1 and D3), the transcriptomic effects in the rumen epithelium were involved with mitotic cell cycle process, cell cycle process, and regulation of cell cycle. Bioinformatic analysis of cellular functions, canonical pathways and upstream regulator of impacted genes underlie the potential mechanisms of butyrate-induced gene expression regulation in rumen epithelium. The introduction of transcriptomic and bioinformatic technologies to study nutrigenomics in the farm animal presented the new prospect to study multiple levels of biological information to better apprehend the whole animal response to nutrition, physiological state, and their interactions. The nutrigenomics approach may eventually lead to more precise management of utilization of feed resources in a more effective health and nutritional practices.