Microbiome-host interactions driving the transition from non-pregnant to pregnant states in a goat model

Pregnancy in goats involves complex hormonal, metabolic, and immune shifts, and growing evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays a key regulatory role in these physiological transitions, yet its specific role in guiding the shift from non-pregnant to pregnant states is still not clearly defined. This study investigated dynamic changes in the microbial community, biochemical markers, and metabolic profile shifts that influence host physiology during the transition from non-pregnant to pregnant states. The results revealed that significant changes in the abundance of microbial genera such as Ruminococcus, Bacteroides, and Lactobacillus were observed across groups. Alpha diversity metrics (Chao1, Shannon, Sobs) indicated substantial differences between groups, while Simpson diversity remained unaffected. Beta diversity analysis (PCoA, NMDS) revealed clear group separation, and pairwise PERMANOVA tests confirmed significant differences (P < 0.05). Heatmap and box plot analyses revealed distinct clustering of microbial profiles, and showed significant differences in genus abundance, including Bacteroides, Christensenella, and Prevotella_7 (P < 0.05). Moreover, significant variations in hematological parameters (RBC, HGB, MCV, MCH, MCHC, PLT, WBC) were noted, with distinct patterns between groups (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis identified strong associations between microbiota taxa (Lachnospira, p < 0.01; Oscillibacter, P < 0.001) and hematological markers. In addition, progesterone and estrogen hormones significantly increased in G1, G2 and G3 groups in response to control group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, antioxidant markers (SOD, CAT) were significantly elevated in G3 group, with a marked decrease in TAC as compared to control group (P < 0.05). FTIR analysis of plasma biomolecules revealed distinct functional group variations across the phases, indicating alterations in key metabolic components. LEfSe analysis identified microbial biomarkers specific to each group, with distinct taxa associated with each pregnancy stage. KEGG pathway analysis showed significant functional shifts, particularly in carbohydrate, amino acid, and energy metabolism. These findings suggest that microbial shifts, metabolic changes, and hormonal fluctuations are intricately linked and play a pivotal role in the reproductive transitions of Beetal goats. The study underpins the potential of microbiome analysis as a tool for improving reproductive health management in livestock.