Evaluation of the effects of the inclusion of plant-based choline on fecal microbiota and fermentative products in dogs

• Grant number: 25/13013-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry - Animal Nutrition and Feeding
• Principal Investigator: Thiago Henrique Annibale Vendramini
• Grantee: Gabriela Motta Neri
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Choline is an essential nutrient for dogs. Its importance is given by its participation in numerous metabolic pathways, such as phospholipid metabolism, cholinergic neurotransmission and lipotropic effect. In the dog and cat food industry, the main source used in the formulation of diets is choline chloride. However, there is a lack of other sources of choline suitable for use in the industry, which can guarantee benefits to the health of dogs. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of two different levels of an alternative herbal choline source on fermentative variables and fecal microbiota in healthy adult dogs. For this purpose, nine healthy adult dogs, male and female, neutered and healthy, will be used. The animals will be divided into three contemporary 3x3 Latin squares and will receive three experimental diets: Control Diet (CC), Herbal Choline Diet 1 (1CH) and Herbal Choline Diet 1.5 (1.5CH). Each of the three periods lasts 35 days: 28 days of adaptation to the diets, followed by seven days for fecal collection. Fecal fermentation products (short-chain and short-branched fatty acids, ammonia nitrogen, lactic acid and pH) and fecal microbiota will be evaluated. The study will employ a contemporary triple Latin square design with three treatments (CC, 1CH and 1.5CH). Statistical analysis will include the evaluation of bacterial genera by LEfSe (FDR < 0.05), alpha diversity indices (Shannon, Chao1 and ASV's) by Kruskal-Wallis (P < 0.05), and beta-diversity by PCoA (Bray-Curtis), with differences between treatments measured by PERMANOVA (P < 0.05).