Rumen Microbiota Mysteries: Nutrition, Function, and its Impact on Livestock Productivity

Abstract

Ruminants are important herbivores in the global food system, serving as primary producers of meat and milk. The productivity of these animals is influenced by the functionality of their digestive organs, namely rumen. The digestion, metabolism and nutrients absorption in  the rumen epithelium enhance the host defende mechanisms mechanisms, promoting health and productivity in ruminants. Therefore, this review aimed to examine the significance of rumen microbes in nutrition and their influence on ruminant productivity through an exploratory method based on literature obtained from Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. The results showed that rumen microbiota, comprising bacteria, fungi, protozoa, archaea, and viruses, played a significant role in the acquisition and use of nutrients through fermentation activities. The fermentation activities that occurred within the rumen led to the production of various end products, including Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA), Hydrogen (H₂), methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide (CO₂), vitamins (specifically B and K), microbial crude protein, and other bioactive molecules. The end products of fermentation synthesized by microbes were considered essential for host function and rumen epithelial development, including feed efficiency, immune system formation, and maintaining the balance of fermentation patterns. This showed the importance of rumen microbiota for survival, health, and ruminant productivity.