Metabolomic, lipidomic, and proteomic profiles provide insights on meat quality differences between Shitou and Wuzong geese.

A comprehensive comparison of metabolomic, lipidomic, and proteomic profiles was conducted between the breast and leg muscles of Shitou goose (STE) and Wuzhong goose (WZE), which exhibit significant variations in body size and growth rate, to evaluate their impact on meat quality. WZE had higher intramuscular fat content in their breast muscles, which were also chewier and had higher drip and cooking losses than STE. Metabolomic analysis revealed differential regulation of amino acid and purine metabolism between WZE and STE. Lipidomic analysis indicated a higher abundance of PE and PC lipid molecules in WZE. Integration of proteomic and metabolomic data highlighted purine metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis as the major distinguishing pathways between STE and WZE. The primary differential pathways between breast and leg muscles were associated with energy metabolism and fatty acid metabolism. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the distinct meat quality of STE and WZE.