Improved immune status by fecal microbiota transplant mediated gut microbiota modulation in late lactation cows in a low land

Abstract

Dairy cows in late lactation experience compromised immune status. A promising strategy to im-prove immune health is to manipulate gut microbiota. This study evaluated the effect of fecal microbi-ota transplant (FMT) on the immunity profile of Friesian Holstein cows during late lactation. Donor cow from the Ciawi, Bogor highlands were selected. Fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) were pre-pared using donor Friesian Holstein cow feces, mixed with glycerol (1:1), diluted in saline, encapsulat-ed in double-layered capsules, and stored at -20°C. The study used a Latin square design with three Friesian Holstein cows in late lactation, testing one control and two FMT levels (5 g and 10 g per day per cow) in a 3% body weight ration (60% elephant grass, 40% concentrate) over three cycles. Using a shotgun metagenomic approach, we identified key microbial populations that correlated with the maintenance of gut homeostasis and immune function. These microbial communities, including Bac-teroides, Bifidobacterium, and Prevotella, produce gut-derived metabolites (acetate, butyrate, and pro-pionate) that influence lymphocytes of T1 (4.02 x 10^3/uL) and T2 (3.87 x 103/uL) and monocytes of T1 (0.38 x 10^3/uL) and T2 (0.31 x 103/uL), thus modulate adaptive immune responses, aid in the re-pair of the intestinal barrier, and strengthened immune system. CAZy enzyme analysis revealed diverse carbohydrate-active enzymes, highlighting the microbial contributions to fiber degradation and SCFA production. Our findings provide valuable insights into the role of the microbiota in regulating the di-gestive and immune systems of dairy cows in lowland climates.