China Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Medicine ›› 2026, Vol. 53 ›› Issue (2): 749-760.doi: 10.16431/j.cnki.1671-7236.2026.02.022

• Nutrition and Feed • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Effects of Suaeda salsa Extract on Rumen Fermentation Parameters and Gastrointestinal Microbiota Community Structure of Hu Sheep

LI Changchang1,2(), WU Yinglian1, YANG Zhenxiang1, LI Lingui1, QIN Rongyan1, LIU Yanfeng1, XU Guishan2(), WANG Wenqi1(), DIAO Qiyu3   

  1. 1.Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Herbivorous Livestock Feed Biotechnology,Feed Research Institute,Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science,Urumqi 830011,China
    2.Key Laboratory of Livestock and Grass Resources Utilization around Tarim (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs,Co-construction by Ministries and Provinces),School of Animal Science and Technology,Tarim University,Alar 843300,China
    3.Feed Research Institute,Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences,Beijing 100081,China
  • Received:2025-06-25 Online:2026-02-20 Published:2026-01-27
  • Contact: XU Guishan, WANG Wenqi E-mail:1982631794@qq.com;guishanxu@126.com;xjslswwq@163.com

Abstract:

Objective This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Suaeda salsa extract (SSE) on rumen fermentation parameters and gastrointestinal (ruminal and intestinal) microbial community structure in Hu sheep. Method Thirty-six healthy male Hu sheep lambs with an average body weight of (30.27±1.18) kg were randomly divided into a control group (CON) and an experimental group (SSE), with 6 replicates per group and 3 lambs per replicate. The sheep in CON group were received a total mixed ration (TMR), while in SSE group were fed TMR supplemented with 0.6% SSE. The pre-test period lasted for 15 days, followed by a 30-day formal trial period. On the 30th day of the formal trial, rumen fluid and rectal faecal samples were collected from fasted Hu sheep to determine rumen fermentation parameters and ruminal faecal microbial communities. Result ①Compared with CON group, the ruminal total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) content of sheep in SSE group was extremely significantly increased (P<0.01), and ruminal pH, acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, isovalerate and valerate contents were significantly increased (P<0.05). ②No significant differences were found in ruminal microbial composition at either the phylum or genus level, nor in Alpha and Beta diversity indices between the two groups (P>0.05). However, the relative abundance of the genus Enteromonas was significantly higher in SSE group (P<0.05). Correlation analysis between ruminal microbes and fermentation parameters showed that the relative abundance of Limivicinus was significantly positively correlated with ruminal butyrate concentration (P<0.05), while the relative abundance of Succiniclasticum was significantly negatively correlated with ruminal butyrate content (P<0.05).③No significant differences in rectal faecal microbial composition at the phylum level, or in the Alpha and Beta diversity indices was observed between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with control group,the relative abundance of PrevotellaAgathobacterButyrivibrio_A, Eubacterium_J, and Methylobacterium in the rectum of SSE group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusion Dietary supplementation with 0.6% SSE to the diet could optimize rumen fermentation parameters, improve the structure and composition of ruminal microbial communities, and increase the genera AgathobacterButyricimonas, and Eubacterium in the intestine of Hu sheep.

Key words: Suaeda salsa extract; Hu sheep; rumen fermentation; rumen microorganisms; intestinal microorganisms

CLC Number: