Evaluation of rumen transfaunation after surgical correction of left-sided displacement of the abomasum in cows

Lyophilized rumen fluid as a ruminal fermentation modifier in high grain-fed acidotic goats

Rumen cud transfaunation re-establishes rumen micro environment and improves fermentation in recipient animals affected with digestive disorders. Preserving rumen cud or fluid will increase its availability for the treatment of rumen fermentation disorders, without having to maintain donor animals. Rumen fluid collected from healthy goats, fed standard ration having roughage 70% and concentrate 30%, was lyophilized (prefreezing -80 °C, 48 h; lyophilization -45 °C, 32 h) using 5% glycerol as cryoprotectant. The 16 S metagenome analysis of the lyophilized rumen fluid (LRF) revealed an abundance of Prevotella (33.2%). Selenomonas ruminantium (1.87%) and Megasphaera elsdenii (0.23%) were also present. Twenty-four goats having history of high grain feeding and exhibiting clinical symptoms of rumen fermentation disorders were randomly distributed into either one of the two treatment groups viz., T1 = oral administration of LRF 31 g/animal/day and T2 = oral administration of sodium bicarbonate (SB) 15 g/animal/day. Post intervention LRF and SB, improved animal body condition, feed intake, fecal consistency, elevated the ruminal pH at 48 h, reduced propionate and lactate at 48 h, reduced total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and ammonia nitrogen at 24 h. Significant reduction in serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and urea levels were observed even from 24 h post intervention irrespective of the treatments. LRF significantly improved acetate and decreased propionate production compared to SB. LRF at 7.5% (v/v) can thus be used to counteract ruminal fermentation disorders in goats sequel to high grain ration.

Repeated inoculation with rumen fluid accelerates the rumen bacterial transition with no benefit on production performance in postpartum Holstein dairy cows

BACKGROUND

The dairy cow's postpartum period is characterized by dramatic physiological changes, therefore imposing severe challenges on the animal for maintaining health and milk output. The dynamics of the ruminal microbiota are also tremendous and may play a crucial role in lactation launch. We aim to investigate the potential benefits of early microbial intervention by fresh rumen microbiota transplantation (RMT) and sterile RMT in postpartum dairy cows. Twelve fistulated peak-lactation dairy cows were selected to be the donors for rumen fluid collection. Thirty postpartum cows were divided into 3 groups as the transplantation receptors respectively receiving 10 L fresh rumen fluid (FR), 10 L sterile rumen fluid (SR), or 10 L saline (CON) during 3 d after calving.

RESULTS

Production performance, plasma indices, plasma lipidome, ruminal microbiome, and liver transcriptome were recorded. After fresh and sterile RMT, we found that the molar proportion of propionic acid was increased on d 7 in the FR and SR groups and the bacterial composition was also significantly changed when compared with the CON group. A similarity analysis showed that the similarities between the CON group and FR or SR group on d 7 were 48.40% or 47.85%, whereas the similarities between microbiota on d 7 and 21 in the FR and SR groups were 68.34% or 66.85%. Dry matter intake and feed efficiency were not affected by treatments. Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentration in the FR group was decreased and significantly different lipids mainly included phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine containing polyunsaturated fatty acids. Hepatic transcriptomics analysis indicated acute-phase response pathways were upregulated in the SR group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that RMT can shorten the transition process of the ruminal microbiota of postpartum dairy cows with no benefit on dry matter intake or feed efficiency. Inoculation with rumen fluid may not be a useful approach to promote the recovery of postpartum dairy cows.

Comparative analysis of functional diversity of rumen microbiome in bison and beef heifers

IMPORTANCE

Ruminants play a key role in the conversion of cellulolytic plant material into high-quality meat and milk protein for humans. The rumen microbiome is the driver of this conversion, yet there is little information on how gene expression within the microbiome impacts the efficiency of this conversion process. The current study investigates gene expression in the rumen microbiome of beef heifers and bison and how transplantation of ruminal contents from bison to heifers alters gene expression. Understanding interactions between the host and the rumen microbiome is the key to developing informed approaches to rumen programming that will enhance production efficiency in ruminants.

The Effects of Artificially Dosed Adult Rumen Contents on Abomasum Transcriptome and Associated Microbial Community Structure in Calves

This study aimed to investigate the changes in abomasum transcriptome and the associated microbial community structure in young calves with artificially dosed, adult rumen contents. Eight young bull calves were randomly dosed with freshly extracted rumen contents from an adult cow (high efficiency (HE), n = 4), or sterilized rumen content (Con, n = 4). The dosing was administered within 3 days of birth, then at 2, 4, and 6 weeks following the initial dosing. Abomasum tissues were collected immediately after sacrifice at 8 weeks of age. Five genera (Tannerella, Desulfovibrio, Deinococcus, Leptotrichia, and Eubacterium; p < 0.05) showed significant difference in abundance between the treatments. A total of 975 differentially expressed genes were identified (p < 0.05, fold-change > 1.5, mean read-counts > 5). Pathway analysis indicated that up-regulated genes were involved in immune system process and defense response to virus, while the down-regulated genes involved in ion transport, ATP biosynthetic process, and mitochondrial electron transport. Positive correlation (r > 0.7, p < 0.05) was observed between TRPM4 gene and Desulfovibrio, which was significantly higher in the HE group. TRPM4 had a reported role in the immune system process. In conclusion, the dosing of adult rumen contents to calves can alter not only the composition of active microorganisms in the abomasum but also the molecular mechanisms in the abomasum tissue, including reduced protease secretion and decreased hydrochloric acid secretion.

Rumen fluid transplantation affects growth performance of weaned lambs by altering gastrointestinal microbiota, immune function and feed digestibility

Although rumen fluid transplantation (RT) has been developed to confer benefits for adult ruminants by altering gastrointestinal tract microbiota, the question remains whether RT can also benefit weaned lambs. Hence, in this study, thirty-eight pre-weaning lambs were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: control lambs (CON) received 25 ml of normal saline solution, and lambs in two RT groups received 25 ml of rumen fluid either from 3-month-old lambs (LT) or from one-year-old adult ewes (AT). The effects on their growth performance, nutrient digestibility, some blood parameters and gastrointestinal tract microbiota were monitored. There were differences (P < 0.05) in rumen bacterial composition between the groups at weaning, at 3 months and at 1 year. Rumen fluid transplantation decreased (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake, average daily gain in live weight and apparent digestibility of ether extract in the LT group, and it decreased (P < 0.05) apparent digestibility of NDF and ADF in the AT group. Rumen fluid transplantation also increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of serum immunoglobulin A in the AT group and increased (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of interleukin-6, interferon alpha and D-lactate in both LT and AT groups. Bacterial α-diversity in the rumen and rectum was not affected by RT (P > 0.05), but a bacterial community change was observed after RT, and the abundance of some dominant bacteria in both rumen and rectum changed after RT (P < 0.05). Analysis of correlations between the parameters indicated that the altered gastrointestinal microbiota and accelerated maturity of rumen microorganisms induced by RT caused some impairment of gastrointestinal integrity and immunity, which led to decreased feed intake, reduced feed digestibility and lower growth performance of the weaned lambs. In conclusion, rumen fluid transplantation altered the gastrointestinal microbiota causing adverse effects on feed intake, feed digestibility and growth performance of the weaned lambs.

Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of rumen transfaunation

Transfaunation is supposed to stimulate normal rumen function and has been used as an ancillary treatment for indigestion. Although it is widely recommended, there are little research data on the efficacy and the necessary volume.

The objective of the prospective clinical trial was the evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of two different transfaunation volumes which can be obtained under practical conditions.

Forty‐five cattle suffering from indigestion were included in the study. A scoring system for the classification of rumen fluid was used. Scores were given in accordance with the importance of the parameter as an indication of microbial dysfunction. Animals with disturbed rumen fluid composition and activity were randomly assigned into 3 groups. Group 1 received 1 L of rumen fluid, group 2 received 5 L of rumen fluid and group 3 (control group) received 5 L of body temperature water. Rumen fluid analysis was repeated on days 1 and 4 after transfaunation. The feed intake of the animals was recorded.

After the transfaunation of 1 L and 5 L, the rumen fluid score improved significantly from day 0 to days 1 and 4. Rumen fluid samples in the control group showed no significant improvement from day 0 to day 1.

No significant differences were observed between the two treatment groups. But significant differences between the improvement of group 1 and the control group on days 1 and 4 and significant differences between group 2 and the control group on day 1 were detected. Small volumes of rumen fluid are easily obtainable by stomach tubes fitted with suction pumps. In summary, the transfaunation of as little as 1 L of rumen fluid caused significant improvement in the activity of rumen flora in cows suffering from indigestion.

Fecal microbiota transplantation as a tool to treat and reduce susceptibility to disease in animals

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is the process by which fecal microbiota are donated from a healthy individual and subsequently transplanted into a diseased or young individual. The mechanism by which FMT is effective is believed to be due to enhanced beneficial microbes, increased microbiome diversity, and restored normal flora. Beneficial gut microorganisms not only play a role in maintaining an intestinal barrier and metabolizing nutrients, but importantly, these microbes help regulate local and systemic immune function. Although FMT has been described for several centuries, only recently has it been utilized as a mainstream therapy in humans and significantly considered for applications in other species. In humans and animals, gastrointestinal diseases are by far the most widely accepted FMT-treatable conditions; however, recent research has shown exceptional promise for FMT being used to treat or prevent other conditions, including those outside of the gastrointestinal tract. Overall, FMT is likely an underutilized, widely-available, and inexpensive tool for improving the health and response to disease in animals. In this review, the effects of FMT on veterinary diseases and potential applications for FMT in animals are discussed.

Importância da transfaunação no tratamento da acidose láctica ruminal aguda induzida em cabras e ovelhas

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a importância da transfaunação no tratamento e recuperação de cabras e ovelhas com acidose lática ruminal aguda (ALRA) induzida experimentalmente. Seis cabras (41,2±5,6kg) e seis ovelhas (46,8±4,57kg), não gestantes e não lactantes, receberam 15g de sacarose por quilo de peso corporal para indução da enfermidade. A ALRA foi induzida duas vezes em cada animal, com intervalo de 30 dias após recuperação total da primeira indução. Os procedimentos terapêuticos consistiram na remoção do conteúdo ruminal líquido por lavagem e sifonamento com auxílio de sondagem esofágica, e na correção da acidose metabólica com soluções eletrolíticas, contendo lactato ou bicarbonato de sódio, infundidas por via intravenosa. A transfaunação fez parte de apenas um dos tratamentos de cada animal e consistiu na administração por sondagem esofágica de 2L de suco ruminal de um bovino sadio. A recuperação completa foi avaliada por exames físicos e exames do suco ruminal realizados até quatro dias após os procedimentos terapêuticos. A eficácia dos protocolos de tratamento, com ou sem transfaunação, foi comparada. O protocolo de indução foi efetivo em induzir a enfermidade e as cabras e ovelhas apresentaram sinais clínicos de intensidade máxima (apatia, atonia ruminal, distensão abdominal, diarreia de consistência pastosa a líquida e desidratação moderada) 16 horas após a administração intrarruminal de sacarose, sem distinção entre as espécies. Neste momento, as características do suco ruminal mostraram-se semelhantes aos quadros típicos de ALRA. A frequência de movimentos ruminais se normalizou no terceiro dia após os procedimentos terapêuticos, sem diferença entre as espécies, e independente de terem recebido a transfaunação ou não. A transferência de suco ruminal também não acelerou a recuperação do apetite, que foi considerado normal somente no quarto dia após os procedimentos terapêuticos, em ambas as espécies. Em relação ao líquido ruminal, quando receberam a transfaunação, os caprinos e ovinos apresentaram recuperação das características de cor, odor e consistência mais rapidamente do que quando não receberam. A atividade fermentativa da microbiota ruminal não sofreu influência da transfaunação e se normalizou dois e três dias após os procedimentos terapêuticos nas ovelhas e cabras, respectivamente. A transfaunação promoveu o retorno mais rápido da população de protozoários ruminais, que já foram observados 24 horas após os procedimentos terapêuticos, em ambas as espécies. Quando os animais não receberam a transfaunação, o retorno dos protozoários só ocorreu no segundo dia após os procedimentos terapêuticos. A recuperação completa dos animais estudados ocorreu em até quatro dias, independente da realização da transfaunação ou não. Conclui-se que a transferência de suco ruminal não pode ser considerada medida crucial para o tratamento e convalescença de caprinos e ovinos acometidos por de ALRA.

Ecological Restoration of Antibiotic-Disturbed Gastrointestinal Microbiota in Foregut and Hindgut of Cows

Antibiotically disturbed gastrointestinal microbiota needs a long period time to be restored to normal, which may cause a series of problems to the host. The understanding of restoration of the biased microbiota by antibiotics remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the microbiota shift in foregut (rumen) and hindgut (rectum) of lactating cows after antibiotics exposure as well as after antibiotics withdrawal with (Microbiota transplantation, MT group) or without (Control, CON group) microbiota transplantation. We were able to demonstrate that microbiota in both foregut and hindgut significantly changed after 3 or 14 days of antibiotics exposure, and the changes persisted over long period of time (>18 days) after withdrawing the antibiotics. We further observed a faster restoration of microbiota in both foregut and hindgut of MT group than CON group, microbiota in foregut was mainly benefited from microbiota transplantation by restoring the alpha-diversity as well as within-group similarity, while microbiota in hindgut was primarily benefited from microbiota transplantation by reestablishing the co-occurrence network (nodes number, edges number, density, modularity as well as closeness centrality). These results together expanded our understanding of restoration of the biased microbiota by antibiotics, and may also be instructive to deal with the delayed microbiota restoration at least in cows.

Diagnostic Approach to the Acute Abdomen

The acute abdomen is a term used to characterize an animal presented as an emergency, in a more or less severe critical state, and for which medical and possibly surgical treatment will be necessary. To succeed, the clinician should use a systematic approach, have an excellent knowledge of the bovine abdominal anatomy, and have a good understanding of the pathophysiology of abdominal pain. Good clinical judgment, critical analysis, and good client communication skills are also essential. This article presents and discusses those necessary skills in the context of field practice.

Indications for and factors relating to outcome after rumenotomy or rumenostomy in cattle: 95 cases (1999-2011)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate indications for and factors relating to outcome after rumenotomy or rumenostomy in cattle.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS

95 cattle that underwent rumenotomy or rumenostomy.

PROCEDURES

Medical records for 95 cattle that underwent either rumenostomy or rumenotomy at 2 veterinary teaching hospitals in 1999 through 2011 were analyzed. Reasons for the procedures were noted. Long-term outcome was determined during telephone interviews with owners.

RESULTS

42 (44%) bovids underwent rumenostomy and 53 (56%) bovids underwent rumenotomy. Among the 42 animals undergoing rumenostomy, 18 (43%) had rumen cannulas placed during elective procedures. Other indications for rumenostomy included ruminal tympany (bloat [n = 20]), esophageal obstruction (choke [1]), grain overload (1), and provision of access for administration of enteral nutrition (2). Indications for rumenotomy included traumatic reticuloperitonitis (n = 31), bloat (9), foreign body (6), choke (5), and other (2). Long-term follow-up data were available for 31 of 42 (74%) bovids that underwent rumenostomy. Of those 31 animals, 17 (55%) were still in the herd, 4 (13%) had been culled, and 10 (32%) had died or were euthanized. Long-term follow-up data were available for 38 of 53 (72%) bovids that underwent rumenotomy. Of those 38 animals, 13 (34%) were still in the herd, 14 (37%) had been culled, and 11 (29%) had died or been euthanized.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results indicated that rumenotomy and rumenostomy can be effective in treating or relieving complications secondary to forestomach disorders in cattle. Bovids undergoing rumen surgery had a favorable prognosis for survival and a fair prognosis for potential return to production.

Equine faecal microbiota transplant: Current knowledge, proposed guidelines and future directions

While certainly not a novel concept, faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) has recently garnered renewed interest in veterinary medicine due to its remarkable success in treating recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in man. There is a dearth of information on indications and efficacy of FMT for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in the horse; however, based on evidence in man and other veterinary species, and anecdotal reports in horses, FMT may be a useful treatment for selected cases of acute and chronic diarrhoea and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the horse. In the absence of evidence, expert opinion is offered on case selection and FMT procedure. More research is needed to explore the efficacy, indications and optimal preparation, storage and delivery of FMT to horses.

Rumen transfaunation

The aim of this invited mini-review is to summarize the rumen transfaunation literature. Rumen transfaunation using the cud from a healthy donor animal to treat a sick recipient animal was practiced long before our understanding of rumen microorganisms. Around the mid-1900 s, scientists began to explore the benefits of rumen transfaunation and the associated microbial populations. Rumen transfaunation has been used clinically to treat indigestion and to enhance the return of normal rumen function following surgical correction of a left-displaced abomasum. Rumen transfaunation was also used to introduce unique rumen microorganisms into animals that were exposed to toxic compounds in plants. Rumen liquor contains chemical constituents that likely contribute to the beneficial effects of re-establishing a normal reticulo-rumen anaerobic fermentation. Recommendations for collecting rumen fluid, storage and volumes transferred are discussed. Rumen transfaunation is a common practice to treat indigestion on dairy and livestock operations. The support of a healthy microbial community in the digestive tract is also used for humans. Fecal microbiota transplantation has been used to treat digestive disorders in humans. Rumen transfaunation, although not widely studied with respect to mode of action, is an effective, practical, and easy method to treat simple indigestion of ruminants.

The microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease and its modulation as a therapeutic manoeuvre

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing in incidence in both the developed and the developing world. Genetic, immunological and environmental factors are known to be involved. Genome-wide studies have examined the contribution played by host genetics in the development of IBD and have estimated that genetic factors are responsible for about 25 % of the disease risk. Having an IBD-associated genotype does not always lead to development of the disease phenotype, and hence it seems likely that environmental factors are key to triggering development of the disease in genetically susceptible individuals. The gut microbiota contains more cells than its human host, and mounting evidence attests to the importance of the microbiota in the development of several diseases, including IBD, metabolic syndrome and CVD. The present paper reviews the interplay between the microbiota and the mucosal immune system in health and in IBD; and discusses the evidence base for the use of therapeutic modulation of the microbiota to prevent and treat IBD.

The microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease and beyond

The diverse and complex community of microorganisms that has co-evolved with the human gut is vital to intestinal functioning, and disturbances in the microbiota and its relationship with the host immune system have been linked to inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This has suggested several treatment options, including antibiotics, probiotics and faecal transplantation. The human microbiome project has been established to enable comprehensive characterisation of the human microbiota and in the coming years, knowledge in this area is expected to continue to expand.

Moving fecal microbiota transplantation into the mainstream

In recent years, fecal microbiota transplantation (aka fecal transplantation, fecal bacteriotherapy, FMT) has become increasing utilized to treat recurrent and refractory Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Almost 600,000 cases of CDI occur each year in the United States. Of these, an estimated 15,000 patients have a recurrence. The management of recurrent disease has been challenging for patients and clinicians. Increasingly, FMT has been recognized as an effective option for these patients. This article explores why FMT has reemerged as a practical therapeutic modality. In the process, the logistics by which the procedure is performed and the factors that may affect quality, safety, and patient outcomes will be described.

Fecal microbiota transplantation and emerging treatments for Clostridium difficile infection

Due to the increased incidence and recurrence of Clostridium difficile infection, health care providers are seeking new and alternative treatments to the standard antibiotic therapy. The objective of this article is to present a review on the background, microbiologic efficacy, clinical efficacy, and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation and to provide an overview of emerging treatment options currently under investigation. Emerging treatment options discussed include the use of monoclonal antibodies directed against toxins A and B, C difficile vaccination, and transplantation of nontoxigenic C difficile strains.

Fecal microbiota transplantation for recurrent clostridium difficile infection

With the increasing prevalence of recurrent/refractory Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), alternative treatments to the standard antibiotic therapies are being sought. One of the more controversial of such alternative treatments is fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Although the notion of FMT is foreign-even startling-and not esthetic to most people, the concept has been around for many decades. Its benefit and efficacy dates back >50 years to its use for staphylococcal pseudomembranous colitis, and now FMT is showing a great promise as an inexpensive, safe, and highly efficient treatment for recurrent and refractory CDI. Moreover, with a better understanding of the intricacies of the colonic microbiome and its role in colonic pathophysiology, FMT has the potential to become the standard of care for CDI treatment, and a potential answer to other intestinal disorders in years to come.

Review article: faecal transplantation therapy for gastrointestinal disease

BACKGROUND

Evidence is emerging regarding the relationship between a dysbiosis of the human gut microbiota and a number of gastrointestinal diseases as well as diseases beyond the gut. Probiotics have been investigated in many gastrointestinal disease states, with variable and often modest outcomes. Faecal transplantation is an alternative approach to manipulate the gut microbiota.

AIM

To review the use of faecal transplantation therapy for the management of gastrointestinal disorders.

METHODS

Available articles on faecal transplantation in the management of gastrointestinal disorders were identified using a Pubmed search and bibliographies of review articles on the subject were collated.

RESULTS

A total of 239 patients who had undergone faecal transplantation were reported. Seventeen of 22 studies of faecal transplantation were in fulminant or refractory Clostridium difficile. Studies of faecal transplantation are heterogeneous regarding the patients, donors, screening, methods of administration and definition of response. Faecal transplantation for C. difficile has been demonstrated to be effective in 145/166 (87%) patients. Small numbers of patients are reported to have undergone successful faecal transplantation for irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Faecal transplantation has been reported with good outcomes for fulminant and refractory C. difficile. No adverse effects of faecal transplantation have been reported. However, there are no level 1 data of faecal transplantation and reports to date may suffer from reporting bias of positive outcomes and under-reporting of adverse effects. This therapy holds great promise, where a dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is responsible for disease and further studies are necessary to explore this potential.

Minimally invasive field abomasopexy techniques for correction and fixation of left displacement of the abomasum in dairy cows

To reduce the potential drawbacks associated with laparotomy techniques for correction and fixation of left displaced abomasums (LDA), minimally invasive techniques have been developed. This chapter reviews the toggle pin suture (TPS) and the laparoscopic abomasopexy procedures used in the field for correction and fixation of the abomasum for correction of left-displacement of the abomasum in dairy cows. The importance of case selection cannot be overestimated. By combining laparoscopy with the principle of the TPS procedure, the lack of visual control associated with the TPS procedure is eliminated, while the advantage of the speed of completion and minimal invasiveness provided by both procedures are maintained. Successful LDA treatment includes not only early detection and treatment of the LDA, but also the prevention of secondary ketosis and aggressive treatment of concurrent disease.

Management of peritonitis in cattle

Peritonitis commonly is included in a list of differential diagnoses in food animal practice. Understanding the physiology of the ruminant peritoneal cavity and its response to injury is important to institute an adequate therapeutic plan. Ancillary procedures are used often and are necessary to confirm the diagnosis and should be well-organized.