Exploring the characterization of natural microflora from cattle digestive tract as candidates for cattle feed probiotics
Within every centimeter of the beef cattle digestive tract exists a living, active microbial universe—invisible allies that not only digest plant fibers but also hold the key to improving feed efficiency and livestock health. Researchers have uncovered insights into this microscopic biodiversity, with characterization of natural microflora from the cattle digestive tract as promising probiotic candidates 2 . Amid growing global concerns about antibiotic resistance, this exploration becomes particularly relevant as scientists strive to discover natural and safe alternatives for enhancing livestock productivity 6 7 .
The cattle digestive tract, especially the rumen, is an efficient fermentation factory inhabited by diverse microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, archaea, and a small number of phage viruses 1 . Rumen microorganisms produce various digestive enzymes such as cellulase, protease, and amylase that break down complex feed components into nutrients absorbable by livestock .
Not all microorganisms from the cattle digestive tract can become probiotics. To be an effective probiotic candidate, a microbe must meet several important criteria:
An important study conducted from April to July 2013 at the Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, FMIPA Andalas University, Padang, aimed to obtain isolates and characterize each isolate as candidate probiotics for cattle feed 2 5 . This research used experimental methods and was analyzed descriptively.
Researchers collected samples from the digestive tract of beef cattle
Performed isolation and characterization of various functional bacterial groups based on their metabolic capabilities
This research successfully revealed the distribution of various functional bacterial groups in the beef cattle digestive tract, as shown in the chart.
The study also identified morphological and biochemical characteristics of selected probiotic candidates.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Cell Shape | Bacillus and coccus |
| Gram Nature | Negative |
| Catalase Test | Positive |
Source: Hasana et al. (2015) 2 5
This characterization provides important basic information for further identification and selection of the most promising probiotic candidates. The two identified probiotic candidates showed bacillus and coccus shapes, both being Gram-negative and catalase-positive 2 5 .
Recent advances in culturomics technology offer great potential to bring more microbial "dark matter" into culture 1 . The development of new non-targeted and high-throughput culture methods enables researchers to overcome limitations of traditional isolation methods that have low throughput, are labor-intensive, and costly 1 .
Strategies combining classical microbiological techniques with macro-barcoding methods have emerged to assess the efficacy of selective enrichment media for specific rumen microorganisms 1 . Genomic approaches provide additional insights and suggest new hypotheses for most uncultured organisms 1 .
Recent studies increasingly strengthen the important role of ruminant-origin probiotics. As presented in the table, various types of probiotics have shown beneficial effects on different livestock.
| Probiotic | Animal | Functionality |
|---|---|---|
| Bacillus paralicheniformis (SN-6) | Simmental Cattle | Increases body weight, alters metabolomic patterns, increases relative abundance of beneficial bacteria 1 |
| Lactobacillus plantarum | Sheep | Improves digestibility and reduces methane emissions 1 |
| Bacillus licheniformis | Sheep | Reduces methane emissions while improving feed conversion ratio 1 |
Special media such as Bifidobacterium selective media, Lactobacillus selective media, low carbon resistant media, and sodium carboxymethylcellulose to isolate target bacterial groups 1
Antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, glutathione, and uric acid added to culture media to enhance anaerobic bacterial culture 1
Rumen fluid used to mimic the natural environment of certain bacteria and encourage their growth 1
For confirmation and identification of isolates through genetic analysis
Characterization of natural microflora from the cattle digestive tract as probiotic candidates opens strategic opportunities for developing more efficient and sustainable livestock feed. By leveraging microorganisms naturally adapted to the ruminant digestive system, we can optimize digestive processes without relying on antibiotics or synthetic additives.
The discovery that bacteria from the beef cattle digestive tract are dominated by cellulolytic and fermentative groups 2 5 provides a roadmap for developing targeted probiotics to improve fibrous feed utilization. As the global livestock industry moves toward more sustainable and natural practices, utilizing indigenous microflora as described in this article will not only enhance productivity but also reduce the environmental impact of livestock farming.
This scientific exploration of the microscopic universe within the cattle digestive tract represents a harmonious blend between deep understanding of natural biological systems and technological innovation for human and animal welfare.