Dietary protein sources in concentrate supplementation influence growth performance by manipulating gut microbiota and serum metabolites in suckling Donkey foals.

ABSTRACT: Protein is a primary nutrient in concentrate supplementation for donkey foals, and the source of this protein significantly influences their growth and development. Milk-derived protein sources, such as milk powder, casein, and whey protein, are widely used in milk replacers for donkey foals due to their balanced nutritional profiles, high digestibility, and high bioavailability. However, the increasing costs of milk powder and whey protein have prompted researchers to explore alternative protein sources, with soy protein being a particularly promising option. This study compared the effects of soybean meal and milk-derived ingredients as protein sources in concentrate supplementation on the growth performance, rectal microbiota, and serum metabolites of suckling donkey foals. A total of 4

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12382213 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature