Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Propionate Pathway on High Fiber Diet
Main pathway of propionate production in animals consuming high fiber diet is:
- Succinate pathway — Correct Answer
- Acrylate pathway
- Lactate pathway
- None of the above
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Succinate pathway
Propionate is the most important gluconeogenic VFA in ruminants (precursor for glucose synthesis). On a high-fibre (roughage) diet, cellulolytic Gram-negative bacteria predominantly use the Succinate (randomising) pathway to produce propionate. On a high-concentrate/grain diet, the Acrylate pathway is preferred.
Propionate Pathways — Comparison
| Pathway | Dominant Diet | Key Bacteria |
|---|---|---|
| Succinate pathway | High fibre/roughage | Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus spp. |
| Acrylate pathway | High concentrate/grain | Starch-digesting bacteria |
Key Metabolic Precursors (from notes)
| Product | Precursor |
|---|---|
| Glucose (in ruminants) | Propionate |
| Vitamin C | Hexose sugar |
| Cholesterol | Acetyl-CoA |
| Vitamin D, steroid hormones | Cholesterol |
| Niacin | Tryptophan |
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
