Ruminal microbiome-host crosstalk stimulates the development of the ruminal epithelium in a lamb model

Background The development of the rumen is an important physiological challenge for young ruminants. Previous studies have shown that starter feeding can effectively facilitate the growth and development of the rumen in ruminants. However, the mechanism through which starter feeding stimulates the development of the rumen is not clear. Here, we performed an integrated analysis in ruminal microbiota and a host transcriptomic profile in a lamb model with the intervention of starter feed to understand the ruminal microbiome-host crosstalk in stimulating the development of the ruminal epithelium.