Rectal microbiomes and serum metabolomics reveal changes in serum antioxidant status and immune responses of Dezhou donkeys in late gestation to parturition

Parturition is a critical event in the reproductive cycle of dairy animals, accompanied by multiple physiological changes in sex hormones, metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and immune function.However, the changes in the rectal microbiota and metabolic products of Jennies from late gestation to parturition affect serum antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory responses, but it is still unclear.