Lactational high weight loss impairs follicular development by causing mitochondrial dysfunction of ovarian cells in sows and mitigated by butyrate supplement.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

In modern sows, lactational high weight loss (HWL), caused by the large litter size and inadequate feed intake, has a negative effect on follicular development after weaning, resulting in poor reproductive performance in the subsequent parity. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

Objectives

This research aimed to explore the mechanism that sows HWL during lactation damages follicular development and attempt to improve the reproductive function by treating with butyrate.

Method

Four multiparous sister sows were chosen to build a HWL model for lactating sows through feed restriction during the final week of a 21-day lactation. Spatially transcriptomics (ST) and tissue immunofluorescent staining were then utilized for the antral follicles in th

SUBMITTER: Liu K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12684926 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature