Recent research progress on the effects of microalgae on lipid metabolism in ruminants: A review of the gastrointestinal tract-brain axis.
- 2026-03
- Animal nutrition (Zhongguo xu mu shou yi xue hui) 24
- Jiantao Zhao
- Yaya Guo
- Peng Zhang
- Weibing Zeng
- Jianhua Fan
- Cheng Chen
- Wenju Zhang
- PubMed: 41584686
- DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2025.09.002
Study Design
- Type
- Review
- Population
- ruminants
Microalgae modulate the gastrointestinal microbiota of ruminants and enhance lipid metabolism-a process associated with improved meat quality. Specifically, microalgae influence lipid metabolism by altering gastrointestinal microorganisms, thereby augmenting immune function and upregulating gene expression associated with lipid metabolism. Additionally, microalgae and their nutrients influence lipid metabolism through the gastrointestinal tract-brain axis, which encompasses the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and neuroendocrine system (NES) functions. This review systematically synthesizes the biotransformation processes and metabolic pathways of microalgae-derived bioactive compounds within the gastrointestinal microbiota of ruminants. Elucidating the direct and indirect effects of gut microbiota members on lipid metabolism and identifying microbial markers and targeted intervention strategies remain scientifically challenging endeavors, given the complexity of the microbial community.