Analysis of the influence of intestinal microorganisms on fatty acids in grazing mutton

A stable intestinal microbiota can ensure animals’ nutrient intake and shape their immune functions. In this study, metagenomic sequencing analysis was performed on Ujumqin lambs grazing under different body weights to identify the composition and expression of cecal microbial flora in sheep affecting weight changes. The correlation between the content of short-chain fatty acids produced in the intestine and intramuscular fatty acids was analyzed. The results showed that the microbial richness was higher in the low-body-weight group, but in the high-body-weight group, cecal microorganisms exhibited closer interactions, with stronger correlations between species. The expression levels of palmitic acid and trans-linoleic acid in the biceps femoris were lower, while arachidic acid expression was higher. The abundance changes of microorganisms such as Streptobacillus, Pigmentiphaga, Pararhodobacter, and Streptosporangium were significantly correlated with short-chain fatty acid levels and muscle fatty acid composition, suggesting their potential involvement in the fatty acid metabolic regulatory network. This study provides a theoretical basis and data support for revealing the relationship between cecal microbiota and fatty acid metabolism in mutton.