Comparative Analysis of the Potential Adaptability of Tibetan Dzo and Yellow Cattle Based on Blood Indices, Metabolites, and Fecal Microbiota

This study aimed to investigate the differences in environmental adaptability between dzo and Tibetan yellow cattle by using corresponding assay kits to analyze blood indices, utilizing mass spectrometry for blood metabolite profiling, and performing 16S rDNA sequencing of fecal microbiota. Forty female cattle were randomly divided into a dzomo (female dzo) group (MG, n = 20) and a Tibetan-yellow-cattle group (HG, n = 20). After 150 days of uniform feeding, six cattle from each group were randomly picked for jugular blood sampling and collection of fecal microorganisms. The results showed that the serum albumin, creatinine, total protein, superoxide dismutase, IgG, and IgM concentrations in the MG group were higher (<i>p</i> < 0.05), whereas the serum triglyceride concentration was lower, compared to the HG group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The higher level of phospholipids containing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (PC (18:5e/2:0), PC (20:5e/2:0), LPC 18:2, LPC 20:5) observed in the serum of the dzo suggests that they have an advantage in adapting to the challenging conditions of the plateau environment. The fecal microbiota analysis showed that <i>Akkermansia</i> was significantly enriched in the MG group; this might be the key bacterial genus leading to the strong adaptability of dzo. Our findings indicated the dzo's superior adaptation to the Tibetan Plateau's harsh environment.