The ruminal epithelium is the main site for absorption of key nutrients and electrolytes. Yet, the absorptive function has to be highly selective to prevent entry of microbes and toxins. This study outlines what researchers know, and still must uncover, about the factors that counteract barrier impairment and help with barrier restoration.  Read

An altered metabolic state is common in high-yielding dairy cows during early lactation. A study in the United Kingdom set out to determine if blood metabolites — such as beta-hydroxy butyrate (BHB), glucose and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) — could be correlated to energy status (EB). Read

The use of relative rumen microbial gene abundances to estimate meat fatty acids profiles has great potential as proxy traits for breeding. Read

This study evaluates the degradation pattern of rice straw by ruminal bacteria and identifies the bacteria that colonize rice straw during its digestion in the cow rumen. Read

This study in goats demonstrated a high-grain diet caused profound ruminal epithelial cellular damage and changes in tight junctions, which was associated with a local inflammatory response. Read

Calves undergo a process of rumen development before, during and after weaning. Researchers are still seeking to understand the rumen microbiome development that happens. Click to read the whole study. Read

Laminitis-related and infectious claw disorders often cause a decrease in milk yield. Claw disorders are also responsible for reproduction problems and can reduce feed intake. This study examines the most efficient measures to prevent those losses — and improve animal welfare. Read

This study helps develop a methodology for biopsying the rumen and colon in ruminant animals.  Read

Milk yield is significantly lower in first-lactation heifers that experienced fetal heat stress. This study examines how the development of mammary glands are affected by heat stress during gestation. Read

This study by U.S. researchers quantifies the links between neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake, diet particle size and ruminal pH. Read