Mikrobiota Saluran Cerna dan Efisiensi Pakan Ternak dalam Perspektif Metagenomik dalam Nutrisi Presisi

Abstrak

Metagenomics has emerged as a transformative framework for evaluating nutrient utilization in livestock, shifting conventional feed assessment from chemical composition toward microbiome-based biological interpretation. This mini-review synthesizes current evidence linking gut and rumen microbial communities with feed efficiency, demonstrating that nutrient value is not defined solely by dietary formulation, but also by microbial capacity to metabolize fiber, protein, and phytate into absorbable metabolites. Literature selection followed a narrative review approach using peer-reviewed databases from 2014–2025, focusing on studies employing 16S rRNA sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, and microbial functional prediction tools. Findings indicate that microbial diversity, SCFA-producing taxa, and functional gene abundance (e.g., cellulase, xylanase, phytase) strongly correlate with feed conversion ratio, while dysbiosis increases inflammatory energy demand and reduces growth performance. In ruminants, rumen metagenomic signatures can even predict feed efficiency and methane-related energy loss. Emerging applications include precision probiotics formulated to complement microbiome deficits and personalized feeding strategies tailored to microbial metabolic capacity. Despite methodological challenges concerning sample standardization and bioinformatic interpretation, the integration of metagenomics into livestock nutrition offers a novel pathway toward higher productivity, reduced feed cost, and sustainable agri-production. The future of feed formulation will likely evolve from nutrient-based design to microbiome-responsive engineering, where feed efficiency is understood as an ecological outcome rather than a static dietary property.

Keywords: Metagenomics, Gut microbiota, Feed nutrition evaluation, Livestock feed, efficiency, Precision probiotics.