Rabbit Does as a Model for Studying Plasma Metabolomic Adaptations Across Reproductive Stages: Insights from...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Molecular Biology
• Animal Physiology
• Metabolomics

Background:

• Metabolomics is a valuable tool for understanding animal physiology.
• Reproductive stages like parturition and weaning involve significant physiological changes in female mammals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate plasma metabolomic alterations in rabbit does during parturition and weaning.
• To characterize metabolic profiles associated with key reproductive stages in a mammalian model.

Main Methods:

• Untargeted metabolomics approach.
• Analysis of 48 plasma samples from rabbit does (24 at parturition, 24 at weaning).
• Comparison of metabolic profiles between the two reproductive stages.

Main Results:

• Distinct metabolomic profiles were observed between parturition and weaning stages.
• Parturition showed higher plasma levels of Betaine and alpha-CEHC.
• Weaning was associated with elevated levels of 4-Pyridoxic acid, Proline betaine, Allysine, modified phospholipids, and other nitrogenous/lipophilic metabolites.

Conclusions:

• Metabolic profiles differ significantly between parturition and weaning in rabbit does.
• These changes reflect stage-specific adaptations in lipid metabolism, energy homeostasis, and cellular pathways.
• Rabbits serve as a useful model for studying mammalian reproductive physiology and metabolic regulation.