Comparative analysis of growth performance and rumen microbiota in Hu sheep and its three-way crossbred offspring
Yaojing Yue
This study compared the growth performance, rumen fermentation patterns, and microbial community structure between three-way crossbred (Poll Dorset × Southdown × Hu, TNH) and purebred Hu (HH) sheep. A total of 75 male lambs (HH: n = 35; TNH: n = 40) with comparable birth dates were selected. After a 56-day suckling period, all lambs underwent an 84-day standardized fattening protocol with a uniform diet. Growth indicators were monitored, and rumen fluid was collected using an oral ruminal sample