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Zhu Y, Wang J, Cidan Y, Wang H, Li K, Basang W. Gut Microbial Adaptation to Varied Altitudes and Temperatures in Tibetan Plateau Yaks. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1350. [PMID: 39065118 PMCID: PMC11278572 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The yak (Bos grunniens) exhibits exceptional regional adaptability, enabling it to thrive in the distinctive ecological niches of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Its survival relies on the intricate balance of its intestinal microbiome, essential for adapting to harsh environmental conditions. Despite the documented significance of bacteria and fungi in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and supporting immune functions, there is still a substantial gap in understanding how the composition and functionality of yak gut microbiota vary along altitude-temperature gradients. This study aims to fill this gap by employing 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing techniques to analyze and compare the intestinal microbiome of yaks residing at different elevations and exposed to varying temperatures. The findings demonstrate subtle variations in the diversity of intestinal bacteria and fungi, accompanied by significant changes in taxonomic composition across various altitudes and temperature gradients. Notably, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and Bacteroidota emerged as the dominant phyla across all groups, with Actinobacteriota exhibiting the highest proportion (35.77%) in the LZF group. Functional prediction analysis revealed significant associations between the LZF group and metabolic pathways related to amino acid metabolism and biosynthesis. This suggests a potential role for actinomycetes in enhancing nutrient absorption and metabolism in yaks. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the microbiota of yaks may enhance energy metabolism and catabolism by modulating the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidota ratio, potentially mitigating the effects of temperature variations. Variations in gut bacterial and fungal communities among three distinct groups were analyzed using metagenomic techniques. Our findings indicate that microbial genera exhibiting significant increases in yaks at lower altitudes are largely beneficial. To sum up, our research investigated the changes in gut bacterial and fungal populations of yaks residing across diverse altitude and temperature ranges. Moreover, these results enhance comprehension of gut microbial makeup and variability, offering perspectives on the environmental resilience of dry lot feeding yaks from a microbial angle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbin Zhu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tibet Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Lhasa 850009, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.C.); (H.W.)
- Linzhou Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station, Lhasa 850009, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Jia Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
| | - Yangji Cidan
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tibet Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Lhasa 850009, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.C.); (H.W.)
| | - Hongzhuang Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tibet Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Lhasa 850009, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.C.); (H.W.)
| | - Kun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
| | - Wangdui Basang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tibet Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Lhasa 850009, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.C.); (H.W.)
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Mafra D, Borges NA, Baptista BG, Martins LF, Borland G, Shiels PG, Stenvinkel P. What Can the Gut Microbiota of Animals Teach Us about the Relationship between Nutrition and Burden of Lifestyle Diseases? Nutrients 2024; 16:1789. [PMID: 38892721 PMCID: PMC11174762 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota performs several crucial roles in a holobiont with its host, including immune regulation, nutrient absorption, synthesis, and defense against external pathogens, significantly influencing host physiology. Disruption of the gut microbiota has been linked to various chronic conditions, including cardiovascular, kidney, liver, respiratory, and intestinal diseases. Studying how animals adapt their gut microbiota across their life course at different life stages and under the dynamics of extreme environmental conditions can provide valuable insights from the natural world into how the microbiota modulates host biology, with a view to translating these into treatments or preventative measures for human diseases. By modulating the gut microbiota, opportunities to address many complications associated with chronic diseases appear. Such a biomimetic approach holds promise for exploring new strategies in healthcare and disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Mafra
- Graduate Program in Medical Sciences and Graduate Program in Nutrition Sciences, Federal Fluminense University (UFF), Niterói 24020-141, Brazil;
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences—Physiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Natália A. Borges
- Graduate Program in Food, Nutrition, and Health, Institute of Nutrition, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil;
| | - Beatriz G. Baptista
- Graduate Program in Medical Sciences and Graduate Program in Nutrition Sciences, Federal Fluminense University (UFF), Niterói 24020-141, Brazil;
| | - Layla F. Martins
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-220, Brazil;
| | - Gillian Borland
- School of Molecular Biosciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK; (G.B.); (P.G.S.)
| | - Paul G. Shiels
- School of Molecular Biosciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK; (G.B.); (P.G.S.)
| | - Peter Stenvinkel
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, Technology and Intervention, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden;
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Zhou E, Zhang L, He L, Xiao Y, Zhang K, Luo B. Cold exposure, gut microbiota and health implications: A narrative review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170060. [PMID: 38242473 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Temperature has been recognized as an important environmental factor affecting the composition and function of gut microbiota (GM). Although research on high-temperature impacts has been well studied, knowledge about the effect of cold exposure on GM remains limited. This narrative review aims to synthesize the latest scientific findings on the impact of cold exposure on mammalian GM, and its potential health implications. Chronic cold exposure could disrupt the α-diversity and the composition of GM in both experimental animals and wild-living hosts. Meanwhile, cold exposure could impact gut microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids. We also discussed plausible biological pathways and mechanisms by which cold-induced changes may impact host health, including metabolic homeostasis, fitness and thermogenesis, through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Intriguingly, alterations in GM may provide a tool for favorably modulating the host response to the cold temperature. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives are discussed, emphasizing the need for translational research in humans. GM could be manipulated by utilizing nutritional strategies, such as probiotics and prebiotics, to deal with cold-related health issues and enhance well-being in populations living or working in cold environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkai Zhou
- Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Li He
- Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Ya Xiao
- Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Bin Luo
- Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China.
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4
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Wang S, Su M, Hu X, Wang X, Han Q, Yu Q, Heděnec P, Li H. Gut diazotrophs in lagomorphs are associated with season but not altitude and host phylogeny. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2024; 371:fnad135. [PMID: 38124623 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnad135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Invertebrates such as termites feeding on nutrient-poor substrate receive essential nitrogen by biological nitrogen fixation of gut diazotrophs. However, the diversity and composition of gut diazotrophs of vertebrates such as Plateau pikas living in nutrient-poor Qinghai-Tibet Plateau remain unknown. To fill this knowledge gap, we studied gut diazotrophs of Plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) and its related species, Daurian pikas (Ochotona daurica), Hares (Lepus europaeus) and Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) by high-throughput amplicon sequencing methods. We analyzed whether the gut diazotrophs of Plateau pikas are affected by season, altitude, and species, and explored the relationship between gut diazotrophs and whole gut microbiomes. Our study showed that Firmicutes, Spirochaetes, and Euryarchaeota were the dominant gut diazotrophs of Plateau pikas. The beta diversity of gut diazotrophs of Plateau pikas was significantly different from the other three lagomorphs, but the alpha diversity did not show a significant difference among the four lagomorphs. The gut diazotrophs of Plateau pikas were the most similarly to that of Rabbits, followed by Daurian pikas and Hares, which was inconsistent with gut microbiomes or animal phylogeny. The dominant gut diazotrophs of the four lagomorphs may reflect their living environment and dietary habits. Season significantly affected the alpha diversity and abundance of dominant gut diazotrophs. Altitude had no significant effect on the gut diazotrophs of Plateau pikas. In addition, the congruence between gut microbiomes and gut diazotrophs was low. Our results proved that the gut of Plateau pikas was rich in gut diazotrophs, which is of great significance for the study of ecology and evolution of lagomorphs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Wang
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China
| | - Ming Su
- Central South Inventory and Planning Institute of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, 143 Xiangzhang East Road, Changsha, Hunan Province 410014, China
| | - Xueqian Hu
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China
| | - Xiaochen Wang
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China
| | - Qian Han
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China
| | - Qiaoling Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Center for Grassland Microbiome, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, 768 Jiayuguan West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730020, China
| | - Petr Heděnec
- Institute for Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, University Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu 21030, Malaysia
| | - Huan Li
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Center for Grassland Microbiome, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, 768 Jiayuguan West Road, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730020, China
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Stothart MR, Spina HA, Hotchkiss MZ, Ko W, Newman AEM. Seasonal dynamics in the mammalian microbiome between disparate environments. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10692. [PMID: 38111921 PMCID: PMC10726273 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Host-associated bacterial microbiomes can facilitate host acclimation to seasonal environmental change and are hypothesized to help hosts cope with recent anthropogenic environmental perturbations (e.g., landscape modification). However, it is unclear how recurrent and recent forms of environmental change interact to shape variation in the microbiome. The majority of wildlife microbiome research occurs within a single seasonal context. Meanwhile, the few studies of seasonal variation in the microbiome often restrict focus to a single environmental context. By sampling urban and exurban eastern grey squirrel populations in the spring, summer, autumn, and winter, we explored whether seasonal rhythms in the grey squirrel gut microbiome differed across environments using a 16S amplicon sequencing approach. Differences in the microbiome between urban and exurban squirrels persisted across most of the year, which we hypothesize is linked to anthropogenic food consumption, but we also observed similarities in the urban and exurban grey squirrel microbiome during the autumn, which we attribute to engrained seed caching instincts in preparation for the winter. Host behaviour and diet selection may therefore be capable of maintaining similarities in microbiome structure between disparate environments. However, the depletion of an obligate host mucin glycan specialist (Akkermansia) during the winter in both urban and exurban squirrels was among the strongest differential abundance patterns we observed. In summary, urban grey squirrels showed different seasonal patterns in their microbiome than squirrels from exurban forests; however, in some instances, host behaviour and physiological responses might be capable of maintaining similar microbiome responses across seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mason R. Stothart
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of GuelphGuelphOntarioCanada
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Hayley A. Spina
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of GuelphGuelphOntarioCanada
| | | | - Winnie Ko
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of GuelphGuelphOntarioCanada
| | - Amy E. M. Newman
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of GuelphGuelphOntarioCanada
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Cui X, Wang Z, Guo P, Li F, Chang S, Yan T, Zheng H, Hou F. Shift of Feeding Strategies from Grazing to Different Forage Feeds Reshapes the Rumen Microbiota To Improve the Ability of Tibetan Sheep (Ovis aries) To Adapt to the Cold Season. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0281622. [PMID: 36809032 PMCID: PMC10100778 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02816-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The dynamics of ruminant-rumen microbiome symbiosis associated with feeding strategies in the cold season were examined. Twelve pure-grazing adult Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) (18 months old; body weight, 40 ± 0.23 kg) were transferred from natural pasture to two indoor feedlots and fed either a native-pasture diet (NPF group) or an oat hay diet (OHF group) (n = 6 per treatment), and then the flexibility of rumen microbiomes to adapt to these compositionally different feeding strategies was examined. Principal-coordinate analysis and similarity analysis indicated that the rumen bacterial composition correlated with altered feeding strategies. Microbial diversity was higher in the grazing group than in those fed with native pasture and an oat hay diet (P < 0.05). The dominant microbial phyla were Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, and the core bacterial taxa comprised mostly (42.49% of shared operational taxonomic units [OTUs]) Ruminococcaceae (408 taxa), Lachnospiraceae (333 taxa), and Prevotellaceae (195 taxa), which were relatively stable across different treatments. Greater relative abundances of Tenericutes at the phylum level, Pseudomonadales at the order level, Mollicutes at the class level, and Pseudomonas at the genus level were observed in a grazing period than in the other two treatments (NPF and OHF) (P < 0.05). In the OHF group, due to the high nutritional quality of the forage, Tibetan sheep can produce high concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and NH3-N by increasing the relative abundances of key bacteria in the rumen, such as Lentisphaerae, Negativicutes, Selenomonadales, Veillonellaceae, Ruminococcus 2, Quinella, Bacteroidales RF16 group, and Prevotella 1, to aid in nutrients degradation and energy utilization. The levels of beneficial bacteria were increased by the oat hay diet; these microbiotas are likely to help improve and maintain host health and metabolic ability in Tibetan sheep to adapt to cold environments. The rumen fermentation parameters were significantly influenced by feeding strategy in the cold season (P < 0.05). Overall, the results of this study demonstrate the strong effect of feeding strategies on the rumen microbiota of Tibetan sheep, which provided a new idea for the nutrition regulation of Tibetan sheep grazing in the cold season on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. IMPORTANCE During the cold season, like other high-altitude mammals, Tibetan sheep have to adapt their physiological and nutritional strategies, as well as the structure and function of their rumen microbial community, to the seasonal variation of lower food availability and quality. This study focused on the changes and adaptability in the rumen microbiota of Tibetan sheep when they adapted from grazing to a high-efficiency feeding strategy during the cold season by analyzing the rumen microbiota of Tibetan sheep raised under the different management systems, and it shows the linkages among the rumen core and pan-bacteriomes, nutrient utilization, and rumen short-chain fatty acids. The findings from this study suggest that the feeding strategies potentially contribute to variations in the pan-rumen bacteriome, together with the core bacteriome. Fundamental knowledge on the rumen microbiomes and their roles in nutrient utilization furthers our understanding of how rumen microbial adaptation to harsh environments may function in hosts. The facts obtained from the present trial clarified the possible mechanisms of the positive effects of feeding strategy on nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation in harsh environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongxiong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhaofeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Penghui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fuhou Li
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shenghua Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tianhai Yan
- Livestock Production Science Branch, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough, County Down, United Kingdom
| | - Huiru Zheng
- School of Computing, University of Ulster, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Fujiang Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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7
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Hu B, Wang J, Li Y, Ge J, Pan J, Li G, He Y, Zhong H, Wang B, Huang Y, Han S, Xing Y, He H. Gut microbiota facilitates adaptation of the plateau zokor ( Myospalax baileyi) to the plateau living environment. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1136845. [PMID: 36910168 PMCID: PMC9998695 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1136845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota not only helps the hosts to perform many key physiological functions such as food digestion, energy harvesting and immune regulation, but also influences host ecology and facilitates adaptation of the host to extreme environments. Plateau zokors epitomize successful physiological adaptation to their living environment in the face of the harsh environment characterized by low temperature, low pressure and hypoxia in the Tibetan plateau region and high concentrations of CO2 in their burrows. Therefore, here we used a metagenomic sequencing approach to explore how gut microbiota contributed to the adaptive evolution of the plateau zokor on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Our metagenomic results show that the gut microbiota of plateau zokors on the Tibetan plateau is not only enriched in a large number of species related to energy metabolism and production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), but also significantly enriched the KO terms that involve carbohydrate uptake pathways, which well address energy uptake in plateau zokors while also reducing inflammatory responses due to low pressure, hypoxia and high CO2 concentrations. There was also a significant enrichment of tripeptidyl-peptidase II (TPPII) associated with antigen processing, apoptosis, DNA damage repair and cell division, which may facilitate the immune response and tissue damage repair in plateau zokors under extreme conditions. These results suggest that these gut microbiota and their metabolites together contribute to the physiological adaptation of plateau zokors, providing new insights into the contribution of the microbiome to the evolution of mammalian adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Hu
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiamin Wang
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Li
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Jin Ge
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinchao Pan
- College of Animal Sciences, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Gaojian Li
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongcai He
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Haishun Zhong
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station of Xunhua, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanyi Huang
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuyi Han
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Xing
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongxuan He
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Zhan A, Luo Y, Qin H, Lin W, Tian L. Hypomagnetic Field Exposure Affecting Gut Microbiota, Reactive Oxygen Species Levels, and Colonic Cell Proliferation in Mice. Bioelectromagnetics 2022; 43:462-475. [PMID: 36434792 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The gut microbiota has been considered one of the key factors in host health, which is influenced by many environmental factors. The geomagnetic field (GMF) represents one of the important environmental conditions for living organisms. Previous studies have shown that the elimination of GMF, the so-called hypomagnetic field (HMF), could affect the physiological functions and resistance to antibiotics of some microorganisms. However, whether long-term HMF exposure could alter the gut microbiota to some extent in mammals remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of long-term (8- and 12-week) HMF exposure on the gut microbiota in C57BL/6J mice. Our results clearly showed that 8-week HMF significantly affected the diversity and function of the mouse gut microbiota. Compared with the GMF group, the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids tended to decrease in the HMF group. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that HMF promoted colonic cell proliferation, concomitant with an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To our knowledge, this is the first in vivo finding that long-term HMF exposure could affect the mouse gut microbiota, ROS levels, and colonic cell proliferation in the colon. Moreover, the changes in gut microbiota can be restored by returning mice to the GMF environment, thus the possible harm to the microbiota caused by HMF exposure can be alleviated. © 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisheng Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,France-China Joint Laboratory for Evolution and Development of Magnetotactic Multicellular Organisms, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yukai Luo
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,France-China Joint Laboratory for Evolution and Development of Magnetotactic Multicellular Organisms, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huafeng Qin
- College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric Evolution, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,France-China Joint Laboratory for Evolution and Development of Magnetotactic Multicellular Organisms, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lanxiang Tian
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,France-China Joint Laboratory for Evolution and Development of Magnetotactic Multicellular Organisms, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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9
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Lu J, Yang S, Wang C, Wang H, Gong G, Xi Y, Pan J, Wang X, Zeng J, Zhang J, Li P, Shen Q, Shan T, Zhang W. Gut Virome of the World's Highest-Elevation Lizard Species ( Phrynocephalus erythrurus and Phrynocephalus theobaldi) Reveals Versatile Commensal Viruses. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0187221. [PMID: 35196818 PMCID: PMC8865479 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01872-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut virome is a reservoir of diverse symbiotic and pathogenic viruses coevolving with their hosts, and yet limited research has explored the gut viromes of highland-dwelling rare species. Using viral metagenomic analysis, the viral communities of the Phrynocephalus lizards living in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were investigated. Phage-encoded functional genes and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were analyzed. The viral communities of different lizard species were all predominated by bacteriophages, especially the Caudovirales order. The virome of Phrynocephalus erythrurus living around the Namtso Lake possessed a unique structure, with the greatest abundance of the Parvoviridae family and the highest number of exclusive viral species. Several vertebrate-infecting viruses were discovered, including caliciviruses, astroviruses, and parvoviruses. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the virus hallmark genes of bacteriophages possessed high genetic diversity. After functional annotation, the majority of phage-associated functional genes were classified in the energy metabolism category. In addition, plenty of ARGs belonging to the multidrug category were discovered, and five ARGs were exclusive to the virome from Phrynocephalus theobaldi. This study provided the first insight into the structure and function of the virome in highland lizards, contributing to the protection of threatened lizard species. Also, our research is of exemplary significance for the gut virome research of lizard species and other cold-blooded and highland-dwelling animals, prompting a better understanding of the interspecific differences and transmission of commensal viruses. IMPORTANCE The Phrynocephalus lizards inhabiting the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) are considered to be the highest-altitude lizard species in the world, and they have been added to the IUCN list of threatened species. Living in the QTP with hypoxic, arid, natural conditions, the lizards presented a unique pattern of gut virome, which could provide both positive and negative effects, such as the enrichment of functional genes and the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This work provides the foundation for further research on the gut virome in these endangered lizard species and other cold-blooded and highland-dwelling animals, contributing to the maintenance of ecological balance on the plateau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Lu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shixing Yang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wang
- The Affiliated Huai’an Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, Huai’an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ga Gong
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Nyingchi, Tibet, China
| | - Yuan Xi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiamin Pan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaochun Wang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Zeng
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ju Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Quan Shen
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tongling Shan
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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10
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Fan C, Zhang L, Jia S, Tang X, Fu H, Li W, Liu C, Zhang H, Cheng Q, Zhang Y. Seasonal variations in the composition and functional profiles of gut microbiota reflect dietary changes in plateau pikas. Integr Zool 2022; 17:379-395. [PMID: 35051309 PMCID: PMC9305894 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal variations in gut microbiota of small mammals and how it is influenced by environmental variables is relatively poorly understood. We sampled 162 wild plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) in four seasons over two and a half years and recorded the air temperature, precipitation, and nutrient content in edible vegetation at the sampling site. After conducting 16S rRNA and shotgun metagenomic sequencing, we found that the highest alpha diversity, the relative abundance of Firmicutes, and the simplest co-occurrence network occurred in winter, whereas that the highest relative abundance of Proteobacteria and the most complex network structure was observed in spring. The highest relative abundance of Verrucomicrobiota and Spirochaetota were seen in summer and autumn, respectively. Air temperature, precipitation, and the contents of crude protein, crude fiber, and polysaccharide in vegetation had significant effects on the seasonal changes in gut microbiota. Diet contributed more to microbial variation than climatic factors. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the amino acid metabolism pathway and axillary activity enzymes were most abundant in summer, while abundance of carbohydrate-binding modules and carbohydrate esterases were highest in spring. These microbial variations were related to the changes in dietary nutrition, indicating that gut microbiota of plateau pika contribute to the efficient use of food resources. This study provides new evidence of how external environmental factors affect the intestinal environment of small mammals. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Fan
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, China.,College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liangzhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, China.,Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Xining, 810008, China
| | - Shangang Jia
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xianjiang Tang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, China.,Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Xining, 810008, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Haibo Fu
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, China.,Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Xining, 810008, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, China.,Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Xining, 810008, China
| | - Chuanfa Liu
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, China.,Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Xining, 810008, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - He Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, China.,Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Xining, 810008, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qi Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, China.,Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Xining, 810008, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yanming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, China.,Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Xining, 810008, China
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11
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Zhu W, Shi X, Qi Y, Wang X, Chang L, Zhao C, Zhu L, Jiang J. Commensal microbiota and host metabolic divergence are associated with the adaptation of Diploderma vela to spatially heterogeneous environments. Integr Zool 2021; 17:346-365. [PMID: 34520122 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Heterogeneous environment adaptation is critical to understand the species evolution and response to climate change. However, how narrow-range species adapt to micro-geographic heterogeneity has been overlooked, and there is a lack of insights from metabolism and commensal microbiota. Here, we studied the environmental adaptation for 3 geographic populations (>40 km apart) of Diploderma vela, a lizard endemic to dry-hot valleys of the Hengduan Mountain Region. The climatic boundary caused a cooler, droughtier, and barren environment for northernmost population (RM) than the middle (QZK) and southernmost populations (FS). Correspondingly, significant divergences in liver and muscle metabolism and commensal microbiota were detected between RM and QZK or FS individuals, but not between QZK and FS individuals. Phospholipid composition, coenzyme level (i.e. pyridoxal and NAD+ ), and cholesterol metabolism (e.g. androgen and estriol synthesis) constituted the major metabolic difference between RM and QZK/FS groups. FS and QZK individuals kept abundant Proteobacteria and antifungal strains, while RM individuals maintained more Firmicutes and Bacteroidota. Strong associations existed between varied host metabolite and gut microbes. How were these interpopulation variations associated to the environment adaptation were discussed. These results provided some novel insights into the environmental adaptation and implicated the consequence of climate change on narrow-range species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiudong Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chengdu, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yin Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chengdu, China.,Mangkang Ecological Station, Tibet Ecological Safety Monitor Network, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyi Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chengdu, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liming Chang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chengdu, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunlin Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chengdu, China
| | - Lifeng Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianping Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chengdu, China.,Mangkang Ecological Station, Tibet Ecological Safety Monitor Network, Chengdu, China
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12
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Surviving winter on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau: Pikas suppress energy demands and exploit yak feces to survive winter. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2100707118. [PMID: 34282012 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2100707118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, with low precipitation, low oxygen partial pressure, and temperatures routinely dropping below -30 °C in winter, presents several physiological challenges to its fauna. Yet it is home to many endemic mammalian species, including the plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae). How these small animals that are incapable of hibernation survive the winter is an enigma. Measurements of daily energy expenditure (DEE) using the doubly labeled water method show that pikas suppress their DEE during winter. At the same body weight, pikas in winter expend 29.7% less than in summer, despite ambient temperatures being approximately 25 °C lower. Combined with resting metabolic rates (RMRs), this gives them an exceptionally low metabolic scope in winter (DEE/RMRt = 1.60 ± 0.30; RMRt is resting metabolic rate at thermoneutrality). Using implanted body temperature loggers and filming in the wild, we show that this is achieved by reducing body temperature and physical activity. Thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) measurements indicate this metabolic suppression is probably mediated via the thyroid axis. Winter activity was lower at sites where domestic yak (Bos grunniens) densities were higher. Pikas supplement their food intake at these sites by eating yak feces, demonstrated by direct observation, identification of yak DNA in pika stomach contents, and greater convergence in the yak/pika microbiotas in winter. This interspecific coprophagy allows pikas to thrive where yak are abundant and partially explains why pika densities are higher where domestic yak, their supposed direct competitors for food, are more abundant.
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13
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Fan Q, Cui X, Wang Z, Chang S, Wanapat M, Yan T, Hou F. Rumen Microbiota of Tibetan Sheep ( Ovis aries) Adaptation to Extremely Cold Season on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:673822. [PMID: 34113677 PMCID: PMC8185353 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.673822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is characterized by low temperatures and hypoxia, and this feature is more obvious in the winter. However, it is not clear how Tibetan sheep adapt to extreme cold climates. To address this, we used physiological methods combined with next-generation sequencing technology to explore the differences in growth performance, forage nutrient digestion, serum biochemical indexes, and rumen microbial communities of Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) between the summer and winter. In the summer, owing to the high nutritional quality of the forage, the Tibetan sheep showed enhanced forage degradation and fermentation though increased counts of important bacteria in the rumen, such as Bacteroidetes, Prevotella_1, Prevotellaceae_UCG-003, Ruminococcus_1, Saccharofermentans, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, to improve the growth performance and increase serum immunity and antioxidant status. In the winter, owing to the low nutritional quality of the forage, the Tibetan sheep presented low values of forage degradation and fermentation indicators. The relative abundance of Firmicutes, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, microbial diversity, interactive activity between microorganisms, and metabolism were significantly increased, implying that the rumen microbiota could promote the decomposition of forage biomass and the maintenance of energy when forage nutritional value was insufficient in the winter. Our study helps in elucidating the mechanism by which Tibetan sheep adapt to the high-altitude harsh environments, from the perspective of the rumen microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingshan Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiongxiong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhaofeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shenghua Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Metha Wanapat
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center (TROFREC), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Tianhai Yan
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough, United Kingdom
| | - Fujiang Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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