Sheep play a vital role in global agriculture, supplying meat and milk for human consumption. The sheep gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome, particularly the rumen microbiome, is crucial for digesting otherwise indigestible feed (i.e. plant cell wall materials), producing volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which are the primary source of energy for sheep [1]. The rumen microbiome is also the primary source of metabolizable protein (microbial biomass), essential vitamins, and amino acids of ruminants [2]. Moreover, the GI microbiome can influence the sheep’s immune system, proliferation of enteric pathogens, and GI health [3–5]. In recent decades, scientists have made substantial progress in understanding and optimizing the intricate GI microbiome and its functions, particularly the rumen microbiome of sheep.