Age-Dependent Changes in Protist and Fungal Microbiota in a Peruvian Cattle Genetic Nucleus.

In this research, the connection between age and microbial diversity in cattle was explored, revealing significant changes in both protist diversity and fungal microbiota composition with age. Using fecal samples from 21 Simmental cattle, microbial communities were analyzed through 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Results indicated significant differences in alpha protist diversity among the three age groups, while fungal composition varied notably with age and was linked to hematological parameters. Despite the stability of fungal alpha diversity, compositional changes suggest the gut as a stable niche for microbial colonization influenced by diet, clinical parameters, and microbial interactions. All cattle were maintained on a consistent diet, tailored to meet the specific nutritional needs of each age group. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding age-related microbial dynamics to enhance livestock management and animal health, contributing to broader ecological and biomedical research. This study was limited by the lack of comprehensive metabolic analyses correlating microbiota changes with specific age-related variations, indicating a need for further research in this area.

Morphological Differentiation, Yield, and Cutting Time of Lolium multiflorum L. under Acid Soil Conditions in Highlands.

Livestock production in the basins of the northern macro-region of Peru has as its primary source pastures of Lolium multiflorum L. 'Cajamarquino ecotype' (ryegrass CE) in monoculture, or in association with white clover Ladino variety, for feeding. The objective of this research work was the morphological characterisation, yield evaluation, and cutting time evaluation of two local genotypes (LM-58 and LM-43) of Lolium multiflorum L. in six locations. An ANOVA was performed to compare fixed effects and interaction. It was determined that the LM-58 genotype is intermediate, growing semi-erect, with a dark green colouring and 0.8 cm broadleaf, and can reach an average stem length of 46 cm, up to 1.6 cm. day-1, achieving fourth-leaf growth at 28 days under appropriate management conditions. Despite the differentiated characteristics, according to BLASTn evaluation, the ITS1 sequences showed a greater than 99.9% similar identification to Lolium multiflorum L., characterising it as such. It was determined that the LM-58 genotype outperforms LM-43, achieving a forage yield of 4.49 Mg. ha-1, a seed production of 259.23 kg. ha-1, and an average of 13.48% crude protein (CP). The best biomass yield (49.10 Mg. ha-1.yr-1) is reached at 60 days; however, at 30 days, there is a high level of CP (14.84%) and there are no differences in the annual protein production at the cutting age of 60 and 45 days. With the results of the present study, LM-58 from a selection and crossbreeding of 680 ryegrass EC accessions emerges as an elite genotype adapted to the conditions of the northern high Andean zone of Peru.

Effects of Age in Fecal Microbiota and Correlations with Blood Parameters in Genetic Nucleus of Cattle.

This study aimed to determine the impact of age on the fecal microbiota in the genetic nucleus of cattle, with a focus on microbial richness, composition, functional diversity, and correlations with blood parameters. Fecal and blood samples from 21 cattle were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Older cattle exhibited greater bacterial diversity and abundance, with significant changes in alpha diversity indices (p < 0.05). Beta diversity analysis revealed significant variations in microbial composition between age groups and the interaction of age and sex (p < 0.05). Correlations between alpha diversity, community composition, and hematological values highlighted the influence of microbiota on bovine health. Beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria, such as Ruminococcaceae, were more abundant in older cattle, suggesting a role in gut health. Functional diversity analysis indicated that younger cattle had significantly more abundant metabolic pathways in fermentation and anaerobic chemoheterotrophy. These findings suggest management strategies including tailored probiotic therapies, dietary adjustments, and targeted health monitoring to enhance livestock health and performance. Further research should include comprehensive metabolic analyses to better correlate microbiota changes with age-related variations, enhancing understanding of the complex interactions between microbiota, age, and reproductive status.

Complete Mitogenome of "Pumpo" (Bos taurus), a Top Bull from a Peruvian Genetic Nucleus, and Its Phylogenetic Analysis.

The mitochondrial genome of Pumpo (Bos taurus), a prominent breed contributing to livestock farming, was sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Assembly and annotation of the mitochondrial genome were achieved through a multifaceted approach employing bioinformatics tools such as Trim Galore, SPAdes, and Geseq, followed by meticulous manual inspection. Additionally, analyses covering tRNA secondary structure and codon usage bias were conducted for comprehensive characterization. The 16,341 base pair mitochondrial genome comprises 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis places Pumpo within a clade predominantly composed of European cattle, reflecting its prevalence in Europe. This comprehensive study underscores the importance of mitochondrial genome analysis in understanding cattle evolution and highlights the potential of genetic improvement programs in livestock farming, thus contributing to enhanced livestock practices.

Parasitism-Induced Changes in Microbial Eukaryotes of Peruvian Alpaca Gastrointestinal Tract.

Alpacas, important genetic resources in the Andean region of Peru, are vulnerable to diarrhea caused by pathogenic parasites such as Eimeria lamae and Giardia sp., which can be fatal, especially in neonates, due to their physiological immaturity and limited adaptability. The study investigated the diversity and abundance of intestinal fungi and protists in alpacas infected with Eimeria lamae and Giardia sp. compared to healthy alpacas. A total of 19 alpacas, aged between one and two months, were included. They were divided into two groups, one with pathological conditions (nine) and the other healthy (ten). Parasitological analyses for the detection of parasites and subsequent molecular analysis were performed on the collected fecal samples. The results revealed a greater diversity and abundance of protists in infected alpacas in comparison with healthy alpacas, while the fungal composition did not show significant changes. Therefore, parasitic infections affect the protist component of the alpaca gut microbiota. Also, it was observed that Blastocystis was identified in all healthy alpacas, serving as a possible marker of the health of the intestinal microbiota; in addition, Prussia and Pichia are beneficial fungi that help control diseases. This groundbreaking study in neonatal alpacas is the first to explore potential changes in the intestinal microbiota during an infectious state, underscoring the importance of further research to comprehend its effects on alpaca health and immune responses.

Microsatellite-Based Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Huacaya Alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in Southern Peru.

The alpaca population mostly consists of the Huacaya phenotype and is widely distributed in Southern Peru. This study aimed to estimate the genetic diversity and population structure of two Huacaya alpaca populations (Ajoyani and Quimsachata) using fourteen and twelve microsatellite markers for each population, respectively. A total of 168 alpaca biological samples were outsourced to Peruvian laboratories for DNA extraction and genotyping. For genetic diversity, observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (He), polymorphism information content (PIC), and fixation indices values were estimated. An admixture analysis was performed for the population structure analysis. Different programs were used for these estimations. In total, 133 (Ajoyani) and 129 (Quimsachata) alleles were found, with a range of 4 to 17 by locus. The mean HO, HE, and PIC per marker for Ajoyani were 0.764 ± 0.112, 0.771 ± 0.1, and 0.736; for Quimsachata, they were 0.783 ± 0.087, 0.773 ± 0.095, and 0.738, respectively. The population structure showed no structure with K = 2. This study provides useful indicators for the creation of appropriate alpaca conservation programs.

Genetic diversity and population structure of a Peruvian cattle herd using SNP data.

New-generation sequencing technologies, among them SNP chips for massive genotyping, are useful for the effective management of genetic resources. To date, molecular studies in Peruvian cattle are still scarce. For the first time, the genetic diversity and population structure of a reproductive nucleus cattle herd of four commercial breeds from a Peruvian institution were determined. This nucleus comprises Brahman (N = 9), Braunvieh (N = 9), Gyr (N = 5), and Simmental (N = 15) breeds. Additionally, samples from a locally adapted creole cattle, the Arequipa Fighting Bull (AFB, N = 9), were incorporated. Female individuals were genotyped with the GGPBovine100K and males with the BovineHD. Quality control, and the proportion of polymorphic SNPs, minor allele frequency, expected heterozygosity, observed heterozygosity, and inbreeding coefficient were estimated for the five breeds. Admixture, principal component analysis (PCA), and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) were performed. Also, a dendrogram was constructed using the Neighbor-Joining clustering algorithm. The genetic diversity indices in all breeds showed a high proportion of polymorphic SNPs, varying from 51.42% in Gyr to 97.58% in AFB. Also, AFB showed the highest expected heterozygosity estimate (0.41 ± 0.01), while Brahman the lowest (0.33 ± 0.01). Besides, Braunvieh possessed the highest observed heterozygosity (0.43 ± 0.01), while Brahman the lowest (0.37 ± 0.02), indicating that Brahman was less diverse. According to the molecular variance analysis, 75.71% of the variance occurs within individuals, whereas 24.29% occurs among populations. The pairwise genetic differentiation estimates (FST) between breeds showed values that ranged from 0.08 (Braunvieh vs. AFB) to 0.37 (Brahman vs. Braunvieh). Similarly, pairwise Reynold's distance ranged from 0.09 (Braunvieh vs. AFB) to 0.46 (Brahman vs. Braunvieh). The dendrogram, similar to the PCA, identified two groups, showing a clear separation between Bos indicus (Brahman and Gyr) and B. taurus breeds (Braunvieh, Simmental, and AFB). Simmental and Braunvieh grouped closely with the AFB cattle. Similar results were obtained for the population structure analysis with K = 2. The results from this study would contribute to the appropriate management, avoiding loss of genetic variability in these breeds and for future improvements in this nucleus. Additional work is needed to speed up the breeding process in the Peruvian cattle system.