Multi-omics analysis reveals host-microbe interactions driving divergent energy allocation strategies in Tibetan sheep under cold-season feeding regimes

Among these, we observed distinct rumen functional responses to different cold-season feeding regimes in Tibetan sheep and revealed energy allocation strategies mediated by host-microbe interactions. In the BF group, Tibetan sheep adopted a "metabolic efficiency-priority" strategy, driving rumen microbiota to maximize energy capture from high-nutrient diets to support host growth. In contrast, the TG group exhibited an "environmental adaptation-priority" strategy, where rumen microbiota prioritized cellulose degradation and anti-inflammatory functions, reallocating energy toward homeostasis maintenance at the expense of rumen development and growth performance.