Trimethylamine oxide supplementation increased fat deposition and regulate fatty acid composition via intestinal microbiota in pig

This study aimed to investigate the effect of trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) on carcass traits, meat quality, and intestinal microbiota in growing pigs. 16 growing pigs was randomly divided into to feed basal diet, and 1 mg/kg TMAO supplementation diet for 120 days. Then we measured intestinal microbes, carcass traits, and meat qualities. The results showed TMAO supplementation significantly decreased the lean body mass and increased the backfat thickness. TMAO supplementation significantly increased the serum contents of HDLC, IgA, IgG, IgM, and IL-2. In liver, TMAO supplementation reduced hepatic inflammation score, and decreased the PUFA ratio in liver. TMAO also decreased the PUFA ratio, C18:2n6c ratio in longissimus dorsi muscle. Taken together, TMAO supplementation regulate ileal microbial composition, promote fat storage, and decreased PUFA composition in pig.