Abstract
Feed intake is a major factor in maintaining the balance between ruminal fermentation and the microbial community of dairy cows. To explore the relationship among feed intake, microbial metabolism, and ruminal fermentation, we examined the combined signatures of the microbiome and metabolome in dairy cows with different feed intake levels. Eighteen dairy cows were allocated to high feed intake (HFI), medium feed intake (MFI), and low feed intake (LFI) groups according to their average daily feed intake. 16S rDNA sequencing results revealed that the relative abundance of Firmicutes in the HFI group was significantly higher than that in the MFI and LFI groups (P < 0.05). The ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes was significantly lower in the HFI group than in the MFI and LFI groups (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_unclassified, Veillonellaceae_unclassified, and Saccharofermentants was significantly higher in the HFI group than in the LFI and MFI groups (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae_unclassified and Butyrivibrio was significantly higher in the HFI group than in the MFI and LFI groups (P < 0.05). Ultra high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed five key pathways, including the linoleic acid metabolism pathway, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis, which are closely related to energy and amino acid metabolism. Linoleic acid, glutamate, alpha-linolenic acid, l-methionine, and l-valine levels were significantly lower in the HFI group than in the MFI and LFI groups (q < 0.05), while the relative content of glutamate was significantly lower in the MFI group than in the LFI group (q < 0.05). Stearic acid content was significantly higher in the HFI group than in the LFI group (q < 0.05). Our findings provide insight into the rumen microbiome of dairy cows with different feed intake and the metabolic pathways closely associated with feed intake in early-lactating cows. The candidates involved in these metabolic pathways may be useful for identifying variations in feed intake. The signatures of the rumen microbiome and metabolome in dairy cows may help make decisions regarding feeding.