Evaluating feed value of native Jeju bamboo (Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai) for beef cattle

Effect of Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai extract on gut microbiota and production performance in pigs

Different dietary patterns affect the gut microbial compositions and diversity. Consistently, microbiome alterations are linked to digestion, immunity, and productivity. Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai (SQ) is a perennial bamboo species rich in proteins and fiber. Previous studies have confirmed the health benefits of SQ; however, the effects of SQ supplementation on gut microbiome and production performance are unclear. Herein, Landrace pigs were supplemented with SQ extract (SQE) and gut microbial compositions as opposed to the control group were assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Additionally, the influences of SQE supplementation on average daily gain (ADG) and backfat thickness (BF) were assessed after slaughter. In the SQE group, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria phyla increased significantly, whereas Bacteroidetes and Spirochaetes phyla markedly decreased (p < 0.05). The expression level of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus genera increased, whereas that of Treponema, Prevotella, and Turicibacter decreased (p < 0.05). The microbial richness was similar between groups; however, microbial diversity decreased in the SQE supplementation group. Additionally, the SQE supplementation in pigs resulted in a slight increase in ADG. In contrast, BF in the SQE group decreased notably (p < 0.05). These results underscore the significant influence of SQE supplementation on the gut microbiota and demonstrate the potential of SQ as a valuable feed resource for enhancing animal productivity.

Comprehensive analysis of the chloroplast genome and phylogenetic relationships of Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai

Jeju-Joritdae (Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai) is a broad-leaved bamboo grass endemic to Mount Halla, Jeju Island, South Korea. In this study, we report the complete chloroplast genome sequence of S. quelpaertensis. Its chloroplast genome is 139,730 bp in size and consists of a large single-copy (LSC, 83,351 bp) region, one small single-copy (SSC, 12,788 bp) region, and two inverted repeats (IRs, 21,796 bp each). The chloroplast genome of S. quelpaertensis encodes 131 genes, including 86 protein-coding, 37 tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes. The overall GC content of the S. quelpaertensis chloroplast genome is 38.86%. Phylogenetic analysis using the chloroplast genome sequence showed that S. quelpaertensis is closely related to Sasa veitchii and Sasella kogasensis. These findings provide valuable genomic resources for future studies of the Sasa genus in South Korea and other countries encompassing its distribution area.