Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Intestinal Bacteria Cultivation for Poultry
Published on: May 10, 2024
Decoding skatole: A comprehensive review on biosynthesis, metabolism, and mitigation in livestock production
Mengyao Zhang1, Xiaoqiu Liao1, Faming Wang2
1Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
Abstract:
Skatole (3-methylindole) is a potent malodorous compound generated through the microbial degradation of tryptophan in livestock production. Because of its extremely low odor threshold and biological toxicity, skatole is a critical contributor to odor pollution in animal farming systems and poses risks to animal health, product quality, and the surrounding environment. This review synthesizes advances in skatole biosynthesis, absorption and metabolism, migration and regulation mechanisms of skatole, as well as its respective impacts on humans and livestock, with particular emphasis on its dual role as both a pollutant and a potential biomarker of gastrointestinal health. This review systematically examine drivers of skatole formation, including dietary protein, gut microbiota, and environmental conditions. In addition, emerging mitigation strategies, such as nutritional regulation, microbiota-targeted interventions and bioremediation are evaluated. By integrating mechanistic insights with practical applications, this review identifies research gaps to support low-odor, sustainable livestock production.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Amino Acid Biosynthetic Pathways
Overview of Metabolism
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...
Production of Organic Acids
Production of Biopesticides
Biosynthesis in Bacteria
Fates of Pyruvate
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...

