In pre-weaned ruminants, the microbiota colonizes rapidly in the rumen after birth and constantly interacts with the host to sustain health and metabolism. The developing microbial community is more malleable, so its manipulation may improve ruminant health and productivity as well as may have long-term effects on ruminants. Hence, understanding the process of rumen microbiota establishment is helpful for nutritional interventions of rumen microbiota in pre-weaned ruminants. This paper reviews the latest advances in the colonization of rumen microbiota while providing insights into the most suitable time for manipulating rumen microbial colonization in early life. In addition, different factors that affect rumen microbiota establishment during the pre-weaned ruminants are discussed in the current manuscript. The purpose of this review is to aid in the development of guidelines for manipulating rumen microbiota to improve animal productivity and health.
Keywords: microbiota colonization; nutritional interventions; pre-weaned ruminant; rumen microbiota-host interaction.