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This chapter describes advances in understanding and optimizing gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome in sheep. The chapter focuses on the assembly and development of the rumen microbiome and modulation at early ages. The rumen microbiome of sheep is shaped in early life by deterministic factors (including host genetics and diet) and stochastic factors (including colonization timing). Certain interventions, including dietary strategies, transplants and probiotics can influence microbial composition. The chapter then focuses on rumen microbiome and productivity. The rumen microbiome is crucial in shaping sheep productivity, as it has a strong influence on meat and milk quality, growth, feed efficiency, resistant to diseases and methane emissions. Current research shows strong correlations between microbiomes and productivity traits. Future trends on optimizing the GI microbiome are also given.
- 1 Introduction
- 2 The assembly of the rumen microbiome:deterministic and stochastic factors
- 3 Inheritance of rumen microbes
- 4 Modulating rumen microbiome development: starterfeeds and alfalfa hay
- 5 Modulating rumen microbiome development:probiotics and direct-fed microbials
- 6 Modulating rumen microbiome development: rumenmicrobial transplantation
- 7 The rumen microbiome and sheep productivity:growth and feed effciency
- 8 The rumen microbiome and sheep productivity: meatand milk quality
- 9 The rumen microbiome and methane (CH4)emissions: production and mitigation
- 10 The rumen microbiome and sheep health: rumenacidosis and helminth infections
- 11 Conclusion and future trends
- 12 Where to look for further information
- 13 References