Multi-omics insights into the effects of Allium mongolicum Regel flavonoids on growth, antioxidant capacity, and immune regulation in Saanen dairy male goats

Background In intensive farming systems, oxidative stress and immune suppression often limit the production performance of ruminants. Allium mongolicum Regel flavonoids (AMRF), a characteristic plant-derived bioactive compound found in Northwest China, have shown potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and intestinal microecological regulatory effects. However, their mechanism of action in Saanen dairy goat (SDG) remains unclear. This study investigated the regulatory effects of AMRF on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immune function of SDGs using multi-omics approaches. Results Eighteen healthy castrated SDGs (3 ± 0.1 months old) with similar body weights (16.38 ± 1.36 kg) were selected and randomly assigned to two groups (n = 9 each), with all animals housed in individual pens. The control group received a basal diet, while the treatment group received 2.8 g AMRF per goat per day. The experimental period lasted 139 d, including a 15-d adaptation and a 124-d formal trial. Compared with the control group, dietary supplementation of AMRF significantly increased final body weight and average daily gain in SDGs. Among rumen fermentation parameters, the pH ( P  = 0.044), microbial protein ( P  = 0.029), and valeric acid concentration ( P  = 0.042) were significantly increased, while the ammonia nitrogen ( P  = 0.041) was significantly decreased. For serum indicators, the contents of total protein ( P  = 0.037) and immunoglobulin A ( P  = 0.028) were significantly increased; the total antioxidant capacity ( P  = 0.001) was extremely significantly increased; and the contents of total cholesterol ( P  = 0.011), glucose ( P  = 0.049), and malondialdehyde ( P  = 0.030) were significantly decreased. Multi-omics analysis revealed that AMRF increased the relative abundances of beneficial microorganisms, including the rumen genus Alloprevotella , cecal phylum Bacteroidota , and colonic genus Alistipes , while reducing harmful microorganisms such as Escherichia – Shigella . Additionally, AMRF upregulated the plasma key differential metabolites 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and α -D-glucose, downregulated thromboxane B₂, activated the arginine biosynthesis and glutathione metabolism pathways, and regulated the expression of key differential genes in the liver, such as PTGS1 , CSF1R , and ND6 . Conclusion AMRF optimizes rumen nitrogen metabolism by modulating the gastrointestinal microbiota of SDGs, thereby improving plasma metabolic profiles and influencing the expression of liver genes through key plasma metabolites and metabolic pathways. These processes act synergistically to enhance antioxidant capacity, immune function, and growth performance, providing a theoretical basis for promoting healthy ruminant production.