1. Introduction
Cattle are essential to the global protein supply due to their unique ability to consume plant material that is indigestible to mammals and convert it into usable energy
[1]. The fermentation of plant material is performed within cattle’s four-chambered stomach, which consists of the reticulum, rumen, omasum, and abomasum
[1], where the rumen provides a suitable environment for microbes to reside. Importantly, due to pillars, grooves, and folds demarcating the rumen, there are five distinct rumen sacs, creating variable sub-ruminal environments (
Figure 1). Therefore, these distinct sacs may contain microbial communities that have acclimated to the varying biogeographical regions within the rumen.
Figure 1. Rumen pillars and grooves visualized in a labeled rumen. Visual representation of musculature demarcating the rumen both internally (pillars) and externally (grooves). The rumen sacs are labeled as follows: cranial sac (CS), caudodorsal blind sac (CDBS), caudoventral blind sac (CVBS), dorsal sac (DS), and ventral sac (VS).
The anatomical configuration of the rumen creates functional variation within each rumen sac due to assorted accumulation of feed particles, saliva, and volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Investigation of different ruminal fermentation parameters, such as VFA concentration, pH, ammonia nitrogen (N), and other minerals (sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and phosphorus), were observed from different rumen sac sampling
[2]. Cranial, dorsal, caudodorsal, caudoventral, and two different areas within the ventral sac were sampled to obtain a complete assessment of the ruminal environment. Differences were observed in fermentation parameters between the cranial sac and the other four sacs
[2]. Notably, the cranial sac had greater pH and sodium concentrations, while also having lower total VFA concentrations
[2], due to the increased amount of saliva and feed particles within the cranial sac. Although microbial communities were not investigated, microbial variation may occur, as favorable conditions for certain microbial species can be present
[3]. Amylolytic bacteria favor and thrive in lower pH environments caused by high grain diets, while this environment will inhibit the growth of cellulolytic bacterial species
[3]. Differences observed in rumen fermentation parameters are due to sample site
[2], which can be attributed to anatomical distinctions made among the ruminal cavity. Pillars, grooves, and folds form the anatomical distinctions and thus, five separate rumen sacs. Environmental conditions of the rumen sacs continuously fluctuate due to ruminal contractions, stratification, and digestibility of feedstuffs occurring throughout beef cattle production. Fluctuations in each ruminal sac environment may instigate ruminal dysbiosis causing adjustments to microbial communities. Improved understanding of the five ruminal sacs, their distinct microbial communities, and the interactions between host and microbiome will reduce undesired consequences caused by unavoidable environmental, diet, and management changes occurring during production.
2. Ruminal Environment Variations and Their Impact on Microbial Community Variation
The five rumen sacs establish unique conditions that favor specific microbial species, and therefore, these microbes may occupy specific sacs with less competition
[4][5] For example, in lambs, epimural bacteria appear to be less numerous in the caudal sac than other sacs of the rumen; yet, in the adult animal, the microbial colonization was greater in the dorsal sac than the ventral
[5]. These differences in epimural microbial populations highlight the variation attributed to age and age × diet interactions that may occur due to these ruminal compartments or even colonization potential. Indeed, it has been shown that some epithelium-associated microbes adhere directly to the epithelium or directly to the glycocalyx of the first colonizing strains
[5][6][7]. These interactions vary based on the location within the rumen and available substrates. Ruminal chemistry can also vary, as significant differences in VFA concentrations were observed when five different positions—dorsal, middle, ventral, reticulum, and dorsal posterior regions—were sampled within the reticulo-rumen
[8]. However, pH was only different between ventral and dorsal regions, with an average of 0.43 pH less in the dorsal region compared to the ventral
[8]. Sampling time was possibly a confounding factor among these parameters, as the dorsal region consistently contained greater VFA concentrations and was 38% greater than the ventral region
[8]. This interaction between the host environmental conditions and the microbial communities is critical to appreciating the ruminal niches and how they establish.
Beyond differences in ruminal sac chemistry, stratification of rumen digesta occurs based on specific gravity differentiating rumen liquid from rumen solid digesta. The liquid layer is topped by an accumulation of low-density forage particles that form the fiber mat
[9]. Ruminal stratification is best demonstrated when cattle are fed high forage diets
[10] due to slower rate of fermentation and greater abundance of low specific gravity feedstuffs that rise above the rumen liquid and create the fiber mat. Vertical stratification of rumen contents can further be explained by the primary contraction cycle that facilitates the flow of denser feedstuffs to the ventral sac, where liquid digesta accumulates (
Figure 2)
[11]. Less dense plant materials are not cycled during primary contractions, and thus, gather atop the liquid layer forming the fiber mat in the dorsal sac
[12]. Due to the primary contraction cycle enabling the accumulation of low-density plant feedstuffs in the dorsal sac, dorsal locations are more likely to be affected by stratified rumen contents
[13]. When examining whether ruminal bacterial structure, population, and fermentation parameters differed between ruminal locations, rumen digesta samples were obtained from the cranial ventral, cranial dorsal, central rumen, caudal dorsal, and caudal ventral sacs
[14]. No differences were observed between bacterial structure and sampling location; however, sampling was limited to the ventral and dorsal sacs. Greater pH was detected in the cranial regions
[14], which influences microbial growth and is an important fermentation variable, although differences were lost due to the analysis technique
[14][15]. Polymerase chain reaction–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) was used to discern bacterial communities but is unable to assess bacterial species as in-depth as high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Therefore, the use of HTS is ideal to detect minor bacterial species variation between rumen sacs. Although no significant differences were observed between rumen sacs, eight specific bacterial species increased in caudal regions. Ruminal contractions impact the movement and stratification of feedstuffs and therefore microbial species which may have affected the greater populations seen among caudal regions and more basic pH among the cranial regions.
Figure 2. Ruminal contraction cycles in a labeled rumen. Labeled rumen sacs with ruminal contractions shown. The primary contraction cycle is shown with the green arrows in the clockwise cycle and it follows within the rumen. The secondary contraction cycle is shown with the purple arrows and is not explicitly explained in the text, but is where eructation, rumination, and continual fermentation occur, and the feedstuffs are not passed onto the omasum.
Considering the primary, secondary, and extraruminal contractions, rumen motility is an important factor contributing to microbial variation in the rumen
[16]. Rumen motility permits the continuous colonization and interactions with ingesta, resulting in efficient fermentation processes
[17][18]. Arowolo et al. examined the effect of motility in vitro using the RUSITEC (rumen simulation technique) system, hypothesizing that changes in rotation speeds would impact rumen fermentation, saturation of dissolved gases, hydrogen, and methane emissions, microbial protein synthesis, and selected microbial populations. A moderate in vitro rotation speed (15 rpm) resulted in the greatest total VFA and microbial protein concentrations, while also increasing fungi and protozoa counts in the solid contents and bacteria and fungi in the liquid contents
[16]. This work was important in providing insights into the importance of motility on rumen function, fermentation, and microbial activity. In vivo, motility and the frequency of primary contractions are important in the mixing and passage of ruminal content to the omasum, which has been shown to be reduced with episodes of ruminal dysfunction, such as ruminal acidosis
[19]. The change in microbiome and microbial fermentation as a result of acidosis and motility may affect VFA flow to the ventral sac, subsequently reducing the absorption of VFA from the rumen
[20]. Yet, rumen motility is affected by numerous factors, such as blood flow, diet, nervous system, and rumen dysfunction
[1]. In the southeastern US, where fescue toxicosis is a primary concern for beef producers, ergovaline has been shown to impact rumen motility through a decrease in frequency and amplitude of ruminal contractions, while also impacting rumen fill and intake
[21]. As an example of rumen dysfunction and dietary impacts on rumen motility, these fescue ergovaline effects on rumen function are of concern, as bacterial and fungal communities are important towards the animal’s response to fescue toxicosis
[22][23][24]. As continued research advances the understanding of motility and digesta passage, their effects on the rumen microbiome and the potential to interact with the host via the ecological niches established by the rumen sacs will help to define further contributions to microbiome variation.
3. Ruminal Papillae Variation among the Different Sacs
Ruminal papillae are organs of absorption, extending from the rumen epithelium to optimize surface area for short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) absorption. Short-chain fatty acids account for over 70% of the metabolizable energy supply
[10][25][26]. Papillae distribution, size, width, and volume are closely related to host feeding habits, forage availability, forage quality, particle size, and digestibility
[10][25][26][27]. Papillae continuously adapt to changes in host diet and stratification of digesta that occur throughout cattle production, which enable its host to better absorb VFAs. In regions of the rumen with greater amounts of digesta, dense lawns of papillae exist, improving the ability to absorb VFAs. In regions such as the dorsal sac, there is a lower density of papillae, as VFA concentrations are reduced due to limited digestion and fermentation activity. As a result of these differences in biochemistry and physiology, papillae from various sacs differ in both size and shape
[28]. Variations in papillae density have been observed because of increased proportions of propionate and butyrate produced by the fermentative ruminal bacteria
[29]. These VFAs can increase ruminal blood flow, stimulating mucosal mitosis and epithelial proliferation, which increases the size and number of papillae, ultimately enhancing the reticulo-rumen’s ability to absorb VFAs
[10][27][30]. Papillae VFA absorption contributes to maintaining rumen VFA concentrations and pH, which supports microbial fermentation of forage feedstuffs
[31][32][33][34].
Ruminal papillae morphology and count are related to ruminant type. Ruminants can be classified based on the source of feed, which has evolutionarily impacted their anatomy and physiology. These categories include concentrate selectors, intermediate, and grass/roughage eaters
[35]. Importantly, each ruminant type has varying distributions of papillae based on their diets. Concentrate selectors have a more even distribution of papillae seen throughout their rumen due to the increased passage rate and digestibility of their diet. Some concentrate selectors have papillae on the pillars within their rumen. Grass/roughage eaters or browsers, including cattle, have a characteristically uneven distribution of papillae throughout the rumen, reflecting the stratification of feed particles and thus, regional differences of microbial activity within their rumen
[10]. Generally, within cattle, the rumen is devoid of papillae on the pillars and in the dorsal sac, depending on diet
[10]. With significant differences in papillae configurations among ruminant types, it is consistently noted that the most numerous and extended papillae are located on the cranial and caudodorsal blind sac floor. The caudodorsal blind and cranial sac papillae retain greater surface enlargement factors (SEF = 2 × papillary surface + basal surface over the basal surface) due to increased VFA concentration
[10].
The ventral sac papillae structure has been well-defined, due to ease of access and its dense lawn of papillae. However, the ventral sac is unlikely to be a complete representation of rumen papillae morphology and structure. Due to factors, such as digesta stratification, pH, and feedstuff digestibility, there may be distinct differences among the papillae in different rumen sacs. Micro- and macroscopic fluctuations in papillae morphology were observed through dry and lactation periods as an impact of increased dietary concentrates
[32]. Twelve rumen-cannulated Holstein cows were sampled from the ventral, caudoventral blind, and caudodorsal blind sacs. There was an overall greater surface area of papillae with increased concentrates, indicating papillae respond to enhanced microbial breakdown of the easily fermentable organic matter through the increase in papillary growth rate
[32]. Further differences were identified among the three different rumen sacs, with the ventral sac containing the greatest surface area of papillae. The caudodorsal blind sac also increased in papillae density, but the caudoventral blind sac did not have significant differences after concentrates were added
[32]. Increases in papillae density provide greater surface area for absorption of VFA in the rumen. The caudoventral blind sac typically has a greater amount of liquid digesta due to the stratification of rumen contents. During acclimation to high-grain diets, the passage rate increases and therefore, more liquid digesta is cycled. However, the greater liquid accumulation does not deviate far from the average environment of the caudoventral blind sac, which may explain why no significance was determined.
Papillae express a variety of genes facilitating barrier defense, pH, receptors, and transporters for absorption of VFAs. Core genes expressed in papillae remain constant throughout a ruminant’s life due to their importance in host health. However, as mentioned previously, diet, location, and stress may impact ruminal epithelial tissue. In heat-stressed cattle (28 °C, temperature–humidity index = 76), lactating Holstein dairy cows had an increased expression of proteins involved in the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and insulin signaling pathways contrasted to thermoneutral cattle (15 °C, temperature–humidity index = 60). Expression of proteins was upregulated for those involved in the chaperone-mediated folding of proteins, whereas those involved in the antioxidant defense system were downregulated
[36]. These changes in expression are important for host health, describing the gross physiological adaptations of ruminal papillae to heat stress. Yet, when diet is examined as a factor, no significant differences in epithelial gene expression were observed in cannulated Holstein cows, fed varying amounts of high-quality hay and decreasing percentages of concentrates
[37]. However, evidence suggests that epithelial receptor expression may differ when different diets are fed, such as in Toll-like receptor genes. Increasing dietary starch increased expression of Toll-like receptor genes in goats which may be due to the genes’ ability to bind lipopolysaccharide and initiate a host immune response
[37][38][39]. In a study conducted by Kern et al., steers with either high or low intake and high or low gain were examined for differentially expressed genes. There were differentially expressed genes determined in steers with high gain and low intake (HL), against the other efficiency type steers
[40]. One gene upregulated in HH steers was lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), which aids in host defense and contributes to innate immune responses
[40]. It was hypothesized that more efficient steers had less immune response which may drive improved production without wasting energy on inflammation and immune responses
[40]. The gene Regulator of G Protein Signaling 5 (RGS5) was also differentially expressed in HL steers, where it was upregulated when measured against the HH steers
[40]. In murine studies, RGS5 knockout mice were observed to have greater fat mass regardless of diet
[41], which may also influence HL steers’ residual feed intake. RGS5 was also shown to be involved with arterial wall development in mice
[40][42], which may facilitate the development of a more efficient rumen vasculature arrangement. Papillae are fixed to the rumen epithelium where they aid in absorption of VFAs, metabolic activity, and barrier protection, but they also support the epithelial microbial community. An epimural microbial community establishes throughout the entirety of the rumen given that they are attached to the epithelium or within the papillae that comprise every sac. These epimural microbes are distinct from the other microbial communities in that they inhabit the rumen epithelium, scavenge oxygen, recycle rumen epithelial tissue, and serve as an interface between the host and microbiome.