Metagenomic insights into the inhibitory effect of phytochemical supplementation on antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors in the rumen of transition dairy cows

The study investigates the impact of dietary phytochemical supplementation on the rumen and virulome of transition dairy cows. Naringin supplementation reduced the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factors (VFs) by up to 9.0% and 7.2%, respectively. It also downregulated clinically high-risk ARGs and reduced adherence and secretion factors. The findings suggest naringin as a natural dietary strategy to mitigate AMR and support rumen microbiota stability.