Fig. 1. Sub mice demonstrate a more submissive social behavior and weigh less than Dom mice, despite similar food intake.

a Experimental timeline. Dom and Sub mice were weighed from birth to 2 month old, then Dom and Sub mice behavior was assessed using the DSR test, followed by stool collection and tissue collection. b, c The dominant–submissive relationship (DSR) test results of Dom and Sub male (b) and female (c) mice (n = 10 in each group). The typical social behavior of each mouse was determined by measuring the average drinking time spent by the respective mouse group. d, e Body weight monitoring of Dom and Sub male (d) and female (e) mice. Mice of each behavioral phenotype were weighed three times a week and the average body weights are shown. f The chow intake by Dom and Sub mice (males and females combined) determined in parallel to weight follow-up. Each time point represents the average chow intake in eight cages per group, normalized to the average weight of mice housed in the respective cages. Weight and chow intake differences were statistically analyzed by using a two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni correction. ***p < 0.001. Error bars show standard deviation.