Effects of feeding agroindustrial byproducts on rumen fermentation and microbiome of sheep

Graphical Abstract Summary: Dairy ruminants can contribute to the reduction of the negative environmental impact of the food industry by including agroindustrial byproducts (ABY) in their diets. We assessed the effects of replacing conventional feeds with ABY on the ruminal fermentation and ruminal microbiome of sheep. Feeding ABY significantly influenced the ruminal microbiome without altering fermentation parameters. Steadier volatile fatty acid (VFA) and ammonia concentrations were observed in ABY-fed sheep, suggesting improved nutrient synchronization and utilization by ruminal microorganisms. The use of ABY could help to reduce the environmental impact of both dairy ruminants and the food industry and improve nutrient utilization.