| Sumario: | In recent years, the increasing cost of protein raw materials has significantly impacted feed expenses and presented challenges to the livestock industry. Ninety-two-month-old male Tibetan sheep (15.40±0.81 kg) were randomly divided into three groups based on protein levels in their diet: L group (12% protein), M group (14% protein), and H group (16% protein). The feeding experiment was performed for 100 days, including a 10-day adaption period. It was found that the liver cells of the M group exhibited a better uniform in cytoplasm. Additionally, group M sheep had higher levels of GSH-Px and T-AOC (P<0.05), as well as elevated IgM, IL-1β, IL-6, and SDH content compared to other groups (P<0.05). There were 577, 698, and 623 differentially expressed genes between groups H and L, groups H and M, and groups M and L, respectively. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed that the DEGs regulated the activities of 56 pathways. Six liver-metabolism-related DEGs, SOD2, SOD1, CD19, IGF1, HK2, and PFKFB3, were expressed differently among the three sheep groups. In summary, a 14% protein level in the diet improved the hepatic antioxidant capacity, immune function, and glycolysis in Tibetan sheep through modulating the expression of functional genes.
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