Alterations in Serum Immune Parameters, Cytokines, Intestinal Permeability, Fecal Microbiota, and Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Healthy and Diarrheic Suckling Calves

Peiyun Gao, Shaoyang Pang, Yaqin Tang, Qianqian Wang, Qiuyan Li, Wenju Zhang, Cunxi Nie, Junli Niu () and Kexun Lian ()
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Peiyun Gao: Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China
Shaoyang Pang: Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China
Yaqin Tang: Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China
Qianqian Wang: Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China
Qiuyan Li: Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China
Wenju Zhang: Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China
Cunxi Nie: Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China
Junli Niu: Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China
Kexun Lian: Laboratory and Equipment Management Division, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832000, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 21, 1-16

Abstract: This study compared serum immunological parameters, cytokines, intestinal permeability, fecal microbiota, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) between healthy and diarrheic suckling calves. Serum and facecal samples were analyzed using ELISA kits, 16S rDNA sequencing, and targeted metabolomics. Compared with healthy calves, the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), endotoxin (ET), and diamine oxidase (DAO) were significantly higher ( p < 0.05), whereas the serum levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were significantly lower in diarrheic calves ( p < 0.05). The contents of propionic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid significantly decreased in the fecal of diarrheic calves ( p < 0.05). Moreover, the Chao1 and observed_features index of fecal microbiota significantly decreased in diarrheic calves ( p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella , Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 , and Streptococcus was significantly higher ( p < 0.05), whereas Phascolarctobacterium , Ruminococcus torques group, and Faecalibacterium were significantly lower in diarrheic calves ( p < 0.05). Escherichia-Shigella abundance was positively correlated with ET, DAO, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels ( p < 0.05). Faecalibacterium abundance was significantly positively correlated with IgG, IgA, IL-10, and butyric acid but negatively correlated with ET and DAO levels ( p < 0.05). In summary, diarrheic suckling calves exhibited reduced immune function, inflammatory response, and increased intestinal permeability. The relative abundance of fecal microbiota of Escherichia-Shigella and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 increased, while propionic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid concentration were decreased in calves with diarrhea. This underscores the critical interplay between microbiota balance and gut health in diarrhea.

Keywords: calf diarrhea; immune response; intestinal microbiota; metabolites; microbial diversity; 16S rDNA sequencing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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