Comparative untargeted metabolome analysis of ruminal fluid and feces of Nelore steers (Bos indicus)

Abstract We conducted a study to identify the fecal metabolite profile and its proximity to the ruminal metabolism of Nelore steers based on an untargeted metabolomic approach. Twenty-six Nelore were feedlot with same diet during 105 d. Feces and rumen fluid were collected before and at slaughter, respectively. The metabolomics analysis indicated 49 common polar metabolites in the rumen and feces. Acetate, propionate, and butyrate were the most abundant polar metabolites in both bio-samples. The rumen presented significantly higher concentrations of the polar compounds when compared to feces (P