Mass spectrometry-based metabolic profiling for identification of biomarkers in serum related to the change of laying ducks in different physiological periods

Abstract

Eggs are a major animal protein source for humans. Egg formation is a complex process involved in coordinating various tissues and organs, while blood is necessary for gonad differentiation and egg formation. In this study, non-targeted metabolomics technology was employed to determine the serum metabolites at the time point of 70 days (before laying period, T0), 130 days (pre-laying period, T1), 300 days (peak laying period, T2), and 340 days (post laying period, T3) in female ducks, to provide comprehensive metabolic profiling in reflecting the overall temporal changes. The results showed significant differences in the metabolites of different comparison groups (T0 vs. T1, T2 vs. T3, and T0 & T1 vs. T2& T3), supporting the main physiological responses in ducks are differential among laying periods. L-Aspartic Acid, Biotin, and Thyroxine can be considered the potential biomarkers related to sexual maturity. L-Lysine, Lumichrome, Thiamine, Riboflavin, and Pyridoxine may be biomarkers related to egg formation. Sorbitol, Isorhamnetin, Naringenin, and Hydroxykynurenine were the biomarkers associated with the decline of egg production. In addition, the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that sexual maturity was mainly involved in the biosynthesis of secondary plant metabolites, Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle, Mineral absorption, pentose phosphate pathway, and Oxocarboxylic acid metabolism. Egg formation disturbed amino acid metabolism, vitamin metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism. The neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway may affect egg production. These findings can detect the different physiological statuses in female ducks and provide a theoretical basis for increasing egg production, and ensuring sustainable farming. Highlights The main physiological responses in ducks are differential among laying periods. 3, 6, and 4 biomarkers related to sexual maturity, the formation of the egg, and the decline of egg production, respectively. Sexual maturity was mainly involved in the biosynthesis of secondary plant metabolites, Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle, Mineral absorption, pentose phosphate pathway, and Oxocarboxylic acid metabolism, and egg formation disturbed amino acid metabolism, vitamin metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism. while the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway may affect egg production.