Comprehensive omics analysis of the fecal microbiome and serum metabolome in Dezhou donkey foals at the end of weaning and after weaning.

Weaning is essential for foal growth and development. We determined the intestinal flora structure of donkey foals at the end of weaning (PreW_4d) and three stages after weaning (PostW_4d, PostW_8d, and PostW_15d) to explore the effects of weaning on intestinal development of donkey foals. The results showed that the main microbial flora in the gut of the donkey foal were Firmicutes and Bacteroides, and the proportion of Firmicutes gradually increased with weaning, which was an important reflection of the donkey foal's adaptability to the transition from lactose liquid feed to plant fiber solid feed.

Metabolic changes before and after weaning in Dezhou donkey foals in relation to gut microbiota.

Weaning is undoubtedly one of the most crucial stages in the growth and development of all mammalian animals, including donkey foals. Weaning is a dynamic and coordinated process of the body, which is closely associated with the health, nutrition, and metabolism of the host. Many studies have shown that the intestinal microbiota and serum metabolites of mammals exhibit different changes during lactation, weaning, and postweaning.

Genome-wide analyses based on a novel donkey 40K liquid chip reveal the gene responsible for coat color diversity in Chinese Dezhou donkey.

Dezhou donkey is one of the representative local breeds in China, which is mainly divided into two strains: Sanfen and Wutou. There are obvious differences in coat color between the two strains. The former shows light points around the eyes, around the muzzle and under the belly, while the latter is completely solid black.