Enhanced propionate and butyrate metabolism in cecal microbiota contributes to cold-stress adaptation in sheep.

ABSTRACT:

Background

During cold stress, gut microbes play crucial roles in orchestrating energy metabolism to enhance environmental adaptation. In sheep, hindgut microbes ferment carbohydrates to generate short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as an energy source. However, the mechanisms by which hindgut microbes and their metabolites interact with the host to facilitate adaptation to cold environments remain ambiguous. Herein, we simulated a winter environment (- 20 °C) and provided a rationed diet to compare the cold adaptation mechanisms between Hulunbuir and Hu sheep.

Results

Our findings show that cold exposure enhances SCFA metabolism in the sheep cecum. In Hu sheep, acetate, butyrate, and total SCFA concentrations increased, whereas in Hulunbuir sheep, propionate and butyrate concent

SUBMITTER: Cheng X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12023611 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature