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Published on: October 25, 2015
Characterization of Fecal Microbiota and Serum Metabolome Variations Across Different Gestational Stages in Hu Sheep
Lanlan Li1, Huibin Shi2, Saiqiao Wang1
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China.
Abstract:
This study investigated the variations in the fecal microbiota and serum metabolome of prolific Hu sheep across different gestational stages to understand their physiological relationships. Fecal and blood samples were collected from 24 multiparous ewes across four stages: non-pregnant and gestational days 55, 85, and 110. Fecal microbial communities were analyzed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and serum metabolic profiles were assessed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based untargeted metabolomics. Serum biochemical analysis showed that pregnant ewes had decreased urea concentrations (p < 0.05), an early-gestation peak in total cholesterol, and a mid-gestation peak in triglycerides (p < 0.05). Fecal microbiota analysis indicated higher alpha diversity during gestation than in the non-pregnant stage (p < 0.05), with Firmicutes as the dominant phylum and stage-specific variations in genera such as Negativibacillus and Monoglobus. Metabolomics analysis identified 68 differential metabolites primarily assigned to lipid, amino acid, and steroid hormone pathways. Procrustes and Spearman correlation analyses showed statistical concordance between the fecal microbial community structure and the serum metabolome. Specific genera, including UCG-005, Alistipes, and unclassified Lachnospiraceae, correlated positively with metabolites such as pregnanediol 3-O-glucuronide and specific sphingomyelins. In conclusion, the progression of pregnancy in Hu sheep is characterized by concurrent shifts in the fecal microbiota and serum metabolites. These concurrent variations correlate with host nitrogen reallocation and lipid parameters, providing baseline reference data for the nutritional management of gestating ewes. These results provide a useful reference for future studies investigating maternal physiology, nutrition, and microbiome dynamics in prolific sheep breeds.
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