Conclusion
In summary, higher-weight yak calves demonstrated increased oxidative resistance, and weight profiles were linked to the microbiomes of both female yaks and their calves. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing yak breeding practices in high-altitude regions.
Methods
Fecal and blood samples were collected from both lower-weight (CB) and higher-weight (HB) yak calves, along with their corresponding female yaks (CA, HA).
Results
The results revealed significantly higher levels of T-AOC (total antioxidant capacity) and GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase) in HB animals (p < 0.001). Sequencing yielded 652,181 and 643,369 filtered reads in female and calf yaks, respectively. Alpha diversity analysis indicated that Chao1, Faith_pd, and Observed species were significantly higher in CA compared to HA (p < 0.01). Furthermore, nine genera were notably different between HA and CA yaks, including Avispirillum, Fimenecus, CAG-1031, Odoribacter 865974, and Jeotgalicoccus A 310962. Compared to CB yaks, CA animals exhibited significant differences in one phylum and six genera, including CAG-485 (p < 0.05), CAG-83 (p < 0.01), Copromorpha (p < 0.01), Phocaeicola A 858004 (p < 0.05), and UBA2253 (p < 0.05).