Ruminal microbiota Gyr and Holstein heifers Raw sequence reads
Variation in bacterial communities between breeds has been reported before and may be the reason why Holstein and Gir dairy heifers have better development in grazing systems under tropical conditions. This study aimed to explore the ruminal microbiota composition Holstein and Gyr and Holstein heifers grazing guinea grass managed intensively . The Holstein and Gyr breed, also known as the Girolando breed, is a popular cross among dairy farmers in tropical regions. Girolando cattle combines the milk production characteristics of the Holstein breed and the adaptability to the tropical climate presented by the Zebu breeds. However, Holstein and crossbred genetics have been modified over the years, and the mechanisms behind different performance responses of young purebred or crossbred animals in tropical pasture-based systems are not fully understood.