Monthly Dynamics of Diet and Gut Microbiota in Young Female Yaks in Response to Cold-Season Supplementary Feeding

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) is characterized by pronounced seasonal fluctuations in grassland nutrient composition due to its unique ecological and geographical conditions, resulting in severe weight loss in yaks during the cold season. This study conducted a year-long field experiment combining metagenomics and metabarcoding to evaluate the effects of cold-season supplemental feeding on the growth performance of young female yaks (YFYs) and to elucidate the response mechanisms of their dietary niche and gut microbiota niche.