The Effect of the Chinese Herbal Additive Shikuqin on Rumen Microorganisms in Calves

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine ShiKuQin, composed of pomegranate rind, sophora flavescens and cortex fraxini, has been proven effective in treating animal diarrhea. In order to understand the mechanism of SKQ in treating diarrhea, the aim is to explore its potential as an alternative to antibiotics. Methods: The study was conducted in twelve calves of similar age, divided into a treatment group receiving SKQ as an additive and a control group. Rumen microbiota were analyzed using metagenomics sequencing. Result: The analysis revealed that the number of microbial abundance and expressed genes in the treatment group was lower compared to the control group. Metastats and LEfSe variation analyses indicated significant reductions in the treatment group for Methanoperedenaceae, Angelakisella, Actinophytocola, Klebsiella, Pseudoxanthomonas and Alistipes. The treatment group also showed significantly higher levels of enzyme families GT64, GH24, GH13, CBM20 and GH31, whereas CE1 and GH29 levels were higher in the control group.