Enhanced propionate and butyrate metabolism in cecal microbiota contributes to cold-stress adaptation in sheep
The findings of this study suggest that under cold exposure, Hu sheep enhance acetate fermentation and rely on tissue thermogenesis for adaptation. By contrast, Hulunbuir sheep exhibit changes in microbial diversity and function, leading to increased propionate and butyrate metabolism. This may promote physiological energy conservation and innate immune defense, balancing heat loss and enhancing cold adaptation.
Authors
- Xia Du
- Xindong Cheng (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7760-1654)
- Yanping Liang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2101-667X)
- C. Zhong (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6873-2506)
- Kaixi Ji (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3604-5273)
- Haitao Cong
- G. Yang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7779-2945)
- Dan Jiao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0393-0292)
- Xiukun Wu
- Mengyu Feng
Institutions
- Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CN)
- Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (CN)
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department (IN)
- Rural Development Institute (CN)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN)
- Lanzhou University (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Microbiome
- Published
- 2025-04-24
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-025-02096-9
- Citations
- 15
- Primary Topic
- Gut microbiota and health
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 12.09
Funders
- Lanzhou University
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences
- Taishan Industry Leading Talents
- Guangxi Key Research and Development Program