Sex-Induced Changes in Microbial Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes in Gastrointestinal Tract of Simmental Cattle.

Simple Summary: This study explored how the gut bacteria, archaea, and fungi differ between male and female Simmental cattle. By analyzing fecal samples, we found that certain types of microorganisms in the gut vary significantly depending on whether the cattle are male or female. For example, female cattle had a greater variety of certain archaea, which are microorganisms that help with digestion. Additionally, we discovered connections between specific gut microbes and blood health, with some microbes being more beneficial in males and others in females. These findings are important because they suggest that male and female cattle may need different feeding or health management strategies to optimize their growth and productivity. Understanding these differences can help farmers and veterinarians improve cattle health, which in turn could lead to better meat and milk production. This research emphasizes the importance of considering gender when studying the gut health of livestock. This study investigates gender-based differences in the gut microbiota of Simmental cattle, focusing on bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed using high-throughput sequencing, with taxonomic classification performed through the SILVA and UNITE databases. Alpha and beta diversity metrics were assessed, revealing significant differences in the diversity and composition of archaeal communities between males and females. Notably, females exhibited higher alpha diversity in archaea, while beta diversity analyses indicated distinct clustering of bacterial and archaeal communities by gender. The study also identified correlations between specific microbial taxa and hematological parameters, with Treponema and Methanosphaera showing gender-specific associations that may influence cattle health and productivity. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender in microbiota-related research and suggest that gender-specific management strategies could optimize livestock performance. Future research should explore the role of sex hormones in shaping these microbial differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]