Integrated 16S rDNA-Seq and metabolomics reveal seasonal dynamics of gut microbial–SCFA–immune crosstalk in diarrheic calves

作者：Qianqian Wang, Qicheng Lu, Yaqin Tang, Qiuyan Li, Peiyun Gao, Shaoyang Pang, Wenju Zhang, Cunxi Nie, Junli Niu, Xiaoling Ma · 发表于：Frontiers in Veterinary Science · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.3389/fvets.2025.1615310 · 被引用次数：6 · 研究领域：Animal health and immunology、Gut microbiota and health、Infant Nutrition and Health

Introduction Neonatal calf diarrhea incidence varies seasonally, increasing during climatic fluctuations. This study investigated body weight and size, immune function, intestinal permeability, rectal microbiota, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in diarrheal and healthy lactating calves across seasons. Methods Ten lactating healthy and ten diarrhea calves were selected in each season, blood and rectal contents samples were collected. Serum immunity, cytokines, and intestinal permeability markers were measured using kits. Rectal microbiota composition was analyzed via 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing, and SCFA profiles of rectal contents were characterized using targeted metabolomics. Results Significantly higher levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), endotoxin (ET), and diamine oxidase (DAO) and lower levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), immunoglobulin (IgA and IgG) levels were observed in diarrheic calves compared to those of healthy controls across all four seasons. Acetate and valeric acid concentrations were significantly lower in diarrheic calves in summer, autumn, and winter. In addition, diarrheic calves exhibited significantly reduced alpha diversity compared to than that of healthy controls, as indicated by lower Chao1, Observed_features, and Shannon indices. The relative abundances of Escherichia-Shigella , Fusobacterium , and Peptostreptococcus in the diarrheal calf group were significantly higher, while Faecalibacterium and Bifidobacterium were significantly lower. Cl...