Genome assembly of Megasphaera elsdenii CH4, a potential probiotic bacterium isolated from the rumen sample of Holstein dairy cow.

OBJECTIVES: Megasphaera elsdenii is a commensal bacterium and a promising probiotic candidate that is frequently given as a supplement directly to ruminant animals. Animals that are fed grain, benefit greatly from the organism's ability to convert lactic acid into volatile fatty acids, particularly butyrate, valerate, isobutyrate, and propionate, which are important sources of energy for animals. This conversion helps modulate rumen acidity and prevent ruminal acidosis (SARA), a prevalent condition in the feedlot cattle. The objective of this work was to generate a high-quality draft genome assembly of M. elsdenii which will contribute to enhancing animal feed supplementation, by improving our understanding of its interactions with the host.

DATA DESCRIPTION: Here, we describe the genome sequence of M. elsdenii isolate CH4, one of the most promising probiotic candidates, commonly administered as a direct-fed microbe supplement to ruminant animals. Sequencing reads from M. elsdenii produced approximately 5.6 Mb. The assembly generated a draft genome size of 2.5 Mb, consisting of 27 contigs, with an N50 of 102.8 KB. Examination of the genome completeness and contamination was assessed using CheckM v1.0.18 and reported as 93.57 and 4.34%, respectively. The draft genome sequence will allow improved genomic comparisons among the probiotic strains of the genus Megasphaera, particularly with the aim of improving our knowledge of their animal-probiotic interactions as well as their population biology.