Fatty acid composition of goose meat depending on genotype and sex

Transcriptome-metabolome reveals the molecular changes in meat production and quality in the hybrid populations of Sichuan white goose

Hybrid breeding has proven to enhance meat quality and is extensively utilized in goose breeding. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of research investigating the molecular mechanisms that underlie the meat quality of hybrid geese. In this study, we employed the Sichuan White Goose as the maternal line for hybridization with the Zhedong White Goose and Tianfu Meat Goose P3 line. We assessed the growth and slaughter meat quality performance of 10-wk-old hybrid offspring in comparison to Sichuan white goose purebred offspring. The results indicate that hybrid geese have significantly improved performance in growth and slaughter meat quality. Furthermore, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the chest muscles of hybrid offspring through transcriptomics and metabolomics to unravel the effects of hybrid breeding on growth and meat quality. A total of 673 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and 93 differentially expressed metabolites were identified. The joint analysis highlighted the significant enrichment of DEGs AMPD1, AMPD3, RRM2, ENTPD3, and the metabolite UMP in the nucleotide metabolism pathway. These findings underscore the crucial role of these genetic and metabolic factors in regulating muscle growth and meat quality in hybrid populations.

Muscle growth affects the metabolome of the pectoralis major muscle in red-winged tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens)

The aim of the present study was to identify and quantify the metabolites (metabolome analysis) of the pectoralis major muscle in male red-winged tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens) selected for growth traits. A selection index was developed for females [body weight (BW), chest circumference (CC), and thigh circumference (TC)] and males [BW, CC, TC, semen volume, and sperm concentration] in order to divide the animals into 2 experimental groups: selection group with a higher index (TinamouS) and commercial group with a lower index (TinamouC). Twenty male offspring of the 2 groups (TinamouS, n = 10; TinamouC, n = 10) were confined for 350 d. The birds were slaughtered and pectoralis major muscle samples were collected, subjected to polar and apolar metabolites extractions and analyzed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. Analysis of the polar metabolomic profile identified 65 metabolites; 29 of them were differentially expressed between the experimental groups (P < 0.05). The TinamouS groups exhibited significantly higher concentrations (P < 0.05) of 25 metabolites, including anserine, aspartate, betaine, carnosine, creatine, glutamate, threonine, 3-methylhistidine, NAD+, pyruvate, and taurine. Significantly higher concentrations of cysteine, beta-alanine, lactose, and choline were observed in the TinamouC group (P < 0.05). The metabolites identified in the muscle provided information about the main metabolic pathways (higher impact value and P < 0.05), for example, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis; alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism; D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism; β-alanine metabolism; glycine, serine and threonine metabolism; taurine and hypotaurine metabolism; histidine metabolism; phenylalanine metabolism. The NMR spectra of apolar fraction showed 8 classes of chemical compounds. The metabolome analysis shows that the selection index resulted in the upregulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, phosphocholines, phosphoethanolamines, triacylglycerols, and glycerophospholipids. The present study suggests that, despite few generations, the selection based on muscle growth traits promoted changes in metabolite concentrations in red-winged tinamou.

Slaughter performance of the main goose breeds raised commercially in China and nutritional value of the meats of the goose breeds: a systematic review

A number of goose breeds are raised commercially in China. However, the data on the slaughter performance of the goose breeds and the nutritional value of their meats lack a thorough comparative analysis. In this systematic review, the slaughter performance of the goose breeds and nutritional value of their meats were comparatively analyzed to provide an overview of the characteristics of the goose breeds raised commercially in China. Fifteen goose breeds were selected from 27 research articles published up to January 2022 on the slaughter performance of the goose breeds raised commercially in China and their nutrient composition after literature searching, literature screening, variety selection, and data collation. The slaughter indexes of the goose breeds and the basic nutrient composition, amino acid composition, and fatty acid composition of the meats of the goose breeds were standardized using min-max normalization and compared. The results suggest that the slaughter indexes and nutritional indicators of the meats of Yangzhou white goose, Xupu goose, Landaise geese, and Sichuan white goose are more balanced than those of the meats of the other goose breeds. The results of this review can lay the foundation for optimizing the breeding methods of the commercially raised goose breeds and processing methods of the meats of the geese. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of crossbreeding and sex on slaughter performance and meat quality in Xingguo gray goose based on multiomics data analysis

Here, we examined the effects of crossbreeding and sex on growth performance, slaughter performance, and meat quality in Xingguo gray (XG) goose, using transcriptomic and metabolomic techniques. The experiment was conducted using 400 goslings (1-day old) of 2 genotypes: the XG breed and its ternary hybrids [F₂ geese; (XG Goose♂ × Yangzhou Goose♀)♀ × Shitou Goose♂]. The goslings were divided into 4 groups: female XG, male XG, female F₂ geese, and male F₂ geese, and growth parameters were examined at 70 d of age, using 30 birds from each group. Following slaughter, samples of breast and thigh muscles were collected from each group for chemical, metabolome, and transcriptome analyses. Growth rate, live body and slaughter weights, meat chemical composition, and muscle fiber diameter were affected by crossbreeding and sex. Crossbreeding significantly improved the dressing percentage, semieviscerated rate, eviscerated yield, and abdominal fat yield of XG geese. To clarify the potential regulatory network affected by crossbreeding and sex, we used RNA-seq and nontargeted metabolomics to detect changes in male and female goose breast muscle. The transcriptome results showed that there were 534, 323, 297, and 492 differently expressed genes (DEGs) among the 4 comparison groups (XG-Female vs. F₂-Female, XG-Male vs. F₂-Male, F₂-Male vs. F₂-Female, and XG-Male vs. XG-Female, respectively) that were mainly related to muscle growth and development and fatty acid metabolism pathways. A total of 141 significantly differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were enriched in serine and threonine, propionate, and pyruvate metabolism. Finally, we comprehensively analyzed the metabolome and transcriptome data and found that many DEGs and DAMs played crucial roles in lipid metabolism and muscle growth and development. In summary, crossbreeding can improve XG goose production performance and affect breast muscle gene expression and metabolites in both female and male geese.

Effect of parent flock age on hatching, growth rate, and features of both sexes goose carcasses

The study aimed to assess the hatchability of goslings from parent flocks of geese in 4 laying seasons and to analyze the growth, carcass, and muscles characteristics. The hatching eggs from the White Kołuda geese from the 1st to 4th laying season were incubated by the waterfowl hatching technology. Hatchability rates were calculated. 40 goslings were selected from each group. The geese were reared and fattened for 16 wk, (sex ratio of 1:1). From the 1-day-old goslings and at the end of the fattening period, the pectoral muscles were sampled to evaluate the muscle fibers. The body weight of the geese and the growth rate were analyzed. Body measurements were taken on the day of slaughter (6 birds/each group). The dissection was performed and the tissue composition of the carcasses was analyzed, including the percentage of carcass elements. The results were analyzed in terms of the age of the parent flock and the sex of oat geese. Hatchability performance was similar in all groups. Lower body weight of geese from group I was demonstrated at 0, 1, 7, 10 to 12 wk compared to birds from older geese. The growth rate in this group was higher than in groups III (2nd wk) and IV (1st wk). From 4 wkof age, the males had a higher body weight. In 1-day-old male goslings, a higher diameter of muscle fibers was demonstrated than in females. The body measurements of ganders were significantly higher compared to females, except for the length of the jump. Males were characterized by a higher weight of carcass parts. However, the share of abdominal fat was higher in females. No significant differences were found in the remaining features. Geese from different ages’ parent flocks don't differ in the carcass features (the compensation phenomenon). The sex of the geese was influenced. It is reasonable to hatch goslings for fattening from parent flocks during 4 years of reproductive use.

The Effect of Feeding Chicken and Geese Broilers with Different Cereals on the Fatty Acids Profile in Meat

The research was conducted on the effect of bird broilers fed with different hybrid rye doses on the fatty acids profile in muscle. The first experiment was performed on 3 geese broilers groups fed with hybrid rye, oats or hybrid rye and oats mix in proportion 1:1. No effect of the hybrid rye feeding of geese on the SFA level in meat was observed, but the MUFA level was significantly higher and PUFA level and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio were significantly lower than in geese fed with oats. The second experiment was performed on 3 chicken broiler groups fed with mix of corn, wheat, soybean meal and rapeseed oil (control group), and fed with an addition of 10% or 20% hybrid rye in diet (experimental groups). No effect of hybrid rye feeding of chicken broilers on the meat quality and SFA level was observed. However, the MUFA level was higher and the PUFA level and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio were lower in meat of chicken broilers fed with hybrid rye. In conclusion hybrid rye is a healthy ingredient in the diet of studied birds and may be used up to 20% in chicken broilers and 50% in the diets of geese. A 100% hybrid rye in geese diet caused lower final body weight.

Effects of High-Frequency Electrical Stunning Current Intensities on Pre-Slaughter Stunning Stress and Meat Lipid Oxidation in Geese

Simple Summary

China produces the largest number of meat-producing geese in the world. However, few studies have investigated the effects of electrical stunning parameters on stunning stress or meat lipid oxidation in geese. We aimed to evaluate the stunning stress and meat lipid oxidation in geese stunned at a high electrical frequency level with different electrical current intensities in a water bath. Stunning the geese at 40 mA resulted in the minimum stunning stress based on the gene expression and hormones released in the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis. Stunning geese with 40 mA resulted in low stunning stress and lipid oxidation in breast meat (d 2), with moderate antioxidant capacity in the meat of the breast (d 2) and thigh (d 0) as compared with 100 mA. A combination of 40 mA, 500 Hz, 10 s per bird is suitable for the electrical stunning of geese and for the alleviation of stunning stress and meat lipid oxidation. This study may help to alleviate stunning stress and improve meat quality in the geese production industry.

Abstract

Intensive slaughtering with electrical stunning (ES) is replacing traditional manual slaughtering of geese in China. This study aimed to assess stunning stress and meat lipid oxidation in geese stunned by high-frequency current intensities. Forty male Yangzhou geese, 92 days old, were randomly allocated into five treatments with eight replicates per treatment. The geese in the control group were not stunned, while the other birds were stunned by alternating current (AC) in a water bath. Each bird received a current intensity of 20 mA (E20mA), 40 mA (E40mA), 70 mA (E70mA), or 100 mA (E100mA) for 10 s at 500 Hz. The gene expression of c-jun N-terminal kinase 1 tended to decrease in the E40mA birds (p = 0.08). Stunning with 40 mA resulted in the maximum serum uric acid and urea among the ES groups and decreased serum adrenocorticotropin and creatine kinase (p < 0.01) compared with 70 mA and 100 mA. Increasing the current intensity reduced the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl free radical elimination ability and total-superoxide dismutase linearly in goose breast meat at d 2 and in thigh meat at d 0 (all p < 0.01). Stunning geese with 40 mA at 500 Hz for 10 s could alleviate stunning stress and meat lipid oxidation.

The protein and fat quality of thigh muscles from Polish goose varieties

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional value of thigh meat from 4 Polish geese varieties. Protein, fat, and cholesterol content, as well as amino acid and fatty acid profiles, were determined. Based on the percentage of amino acid in protein and fatty acids in meat lipids, the health lipid indices were calculated. The experimental material covered thigh muscles from 17-week-old Kartuska (Ka), Suwalska (Su), Lubelska (Lu), and Kielecka (Ki) geese reared in a semi-intensive system. Muscle protein content did not differ significantly between varieties. The protein content of the Ka, Su, Lu, and Ki goose meat was deemed high-value as it contained all the essential amino acids in the proportions consistent with standard protein values. The muscles of all the researched geese varieties were characterized by a high level of Lys, which indicates that this meat is a good source of it (AASLys 240-280%). Current findings showed that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)/saturated fatty acids (SFA) and PUFA n-6/n-3 ratios in Ka, Su, Lu, and Ki muscles were found to be within the optimum values for human diets. No significant differences were observed in monounsaturated fatty acids, PUFA, and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) between the analyzed muscles. The meat of Ka and Su contained significantly more lipids than Lu and Ki. A more beneficial amino acid profile was found in Ka meat due to a higher content of PUFA n-3 and the best n-6/n-3 ratio in comparison with other varieties. The muscles of the Ka variety also contained the least cholesterol. However, the Ki goose muscles stood out among other varieties with the least percentage of SFA, the highest share of docosahexaenoic acid (C 22:6 n-3), as well as the most beneficial value of the following indices: UFA/SFA, hypocholesterolemic fatty acid/hypercholesterolemic fatty acid ratio, and nutritive value index. The thigh muscles of Ka, Su, Lu, and Ki were characterized by an atherogenicity index that met the levels of recommended values (<1) in the diet of a human being, while the thrombogenicity index was slightly higher than the recommended value (<0.5).

Research on the Effects of Gender and Feeding Geese Oats and Hybrid Rye on Their Slaughter Traits and Meat Quality

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of feeding Zatorska variety geese hybrid rye, oats, or a mixture of both grains (1:1) on slaughter value and meat quality. At 14 weeks old, the birds were separated into three feeding groups (n = 12) and were fed between 15 and 17 weeks of age with hybrid rye, oats, or a mixture of these two grains. The research proved the effect of gender and feeding on some slaughter value traits and meat quality of the goslings' breast meat. It was found that the ganders had a 10% to 15% higher body and carcass weight than the females. No significant differences were observed between the genders within the majority of the physical and chemical characteristics as well as the sensory traits. The feeding type did not have a significant effect on the goslings' body weight and carcass element share. The birds fed hybrid rye had a 2 percentage points lower slaughter yield than those birds fed oats which was combined with a lower share of subcutaneous fat (measured as the weight of the tissue coming from dissection) in birds fed hybrid rye. The meat of the birds fed hybrid rye had some better physical, chemical characteristics and, in the female goslings, also better sensory quality. The results indicated that hybrid rye may be used in feeding goslings at the end of the growing period, because it did not cause any negative effects on the pre-slaughter body weight and had a positive effect on some meat quality traits, such as better sensory estimation results, higher protein content, and lower drip losses.

The effect of various protein sources in goose diets on meat quality, fatty acid composition, and cholesterol and collagen content in breast muscles

Goose meat is characterized by good quality and a good fatty acid composition. Geese do not need many compounds in their feed to ensure suitable growth. The main source of protein in most feed is soybean meal (SBM). New cultivars of yellow lupin with fewer antinutrients could be a substitute for soybean. The study's aim was to compare the quality of the carcass and meat, as well as the fatty acid composition and the collagen and cholesterol content in the breast muscles from geese fed a diet based on yellow lupin as an replacement for soybean meal. In the study, geese were divided into 2 study groups. The first was a control group (Group 1), fed a feed based on SBM; the second one was an experimental group (Group 2), fed a feed based on yellow lupin “Mister”, potato protein, and brewer's yeast. The rearing period was divided into 3 stages, and the last stage was oat fattening. Each group (105 birds in each group) was divided into 5 replications with 21 birds. After 16 wk of rearing, 10 geese from each group were slaughtered. The carcasses were analyzed for physicochemical traits (dissection, color, water-holding capacity, and chemical composition of the breast and leg muscles, as well as pH level, drip loss, and fatty acid profile of the breast muscles). The drip loss from the breast muscles was higher (P < 0.05) and the water-holding capacity of the leg muscles lower (P < 0.05) in Group 1 than in Group 2. Group 1 also displayed a higher content of protein and water in breast and leg muscles (P < 0.05) but lower fat content than that of Group 2 (P < 0.05). The linoleic acid content of the breast muscles was higher in Group 2 (P < 0.05), whereas the other fatty acid levels were comparable between the groups. The total content of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (n-6 and n-3) and the PUFA/ saturated fatty acid ratio was higher in Group 2 (P < 0.05). Moreover, the thrombogenic index was lower (P < 0.05) in the geese fed a lupin-diet. Overall, the yellow lupin–based feed had beneficial effects on the goose meat's traits, and it can be used as a high-protein compound in diets for geese. It is also possible to produce traditional geese fattened by oats.

The body fat distribution and fatty acid composition of muscles and adipose tissues in geese

In this study, we evaluated the body fat distribution and fatty acid composition of muscles and adipose tissues of Yangzhou geese, including thirty 60-day-old goslings (15 males and 15 females) and 20 320-day-old geese (10 males and 10 females). Adipose tissues of Yangzhou geese were distributed widely and could be divided into 5 types: subcutaneous fat, abdominal fat, sartorial fat, neck fat, and mesenteric fat. Higher contents of abdominal fat, sartorial fat, neck fat, and mesenteric fat but a lower content of subcutaneous fat were found in adult geese than in goslings (P ≤ 0.05). Adult female geese deposited more fat than adult male geese (P ≤ 0.05). No difference was found in the fat distribution and fat content between male and female goslings (P > 0.05). The breast muscle of adult geese was characterized by a higher content of total monounsaturated fatty acids (ΣMUFAs) and a lower content of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ΣPUFAs n-6) than that of goslings (P ≤ 0.05). Lower concentrations of total saturated fatty acids and ΣPUFA were found in adult female geese than in female goslings (P ≤ 0.05). In comparison with adult female geese, the breast muscle of adult male geese had higher total saturated fatty acids and stearic acid (P ≤ 0.05). For the thigh muscle, adult female geese had a higher ΣMUFAs content than adult male geese (P ≤ 0.05). In adipose tissues, adult geese had a higher Σn-6/Σn-3 ratio but had lower contents of erucic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, and ΣPUFA n-3 than goslings, and adult female geese had a higher ΣMUFAs content than adult male geese (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, adult geese, especially adult female geese, accumulated more fat than goslings. Both age and sex affected the fatty acid composition of muscles and adipose tissues in geese. This research provides essential information not only for the nutritional evaluation of geese but also for the consumption and processing of goose products.

Comparison of carcass traits and meat quality of intensively reared geese from a Polish genetic resource flock to those of commercial hybrids

The aim of the study was to determine slaughter yield and meat quality of native Zatorska (ZG) goose and compare them to those of commercial hybrid White Koluda® goose (WKG) after fattening in an intensive production system. The experiment was carried out on 500 birds of each group and lasted up to 10 wk of age. The birds were kept on deep litter with access to free range and were fed with the same complete feed mixtures, according to dietary requirements for broiler geese. Body weight, carcass composition, and technological properties of breast and thigh muscles were evaluated (pH₂₄, L*a*b* color, water holding capacity, thermal loss, drip loss, and shear force). In addition, chemical composition of breast and thigh muscles, fatty acid profile of muscle lipids, and amino acids of proteins were determined. The body weight, weight of eviscerated carcass, and dressing percentage of ZG were lower (P < 0.05) than those in WKG. However, breast and thigh muscles of both groups of geese were characterized by similar technological and nutritive values. The differences in meat quality traits concerned only the shear force of breast muscles, with higher values (P < 0.05) for WKG. Moreover, dry matter content in breast muscles of ZG was higher than that in WKG. The effect of goose genotype on the level of oleic acid and monounsaturated fatty acids in breast muscles was shown. Also, the amino acid proportion of meat protein depended on goose breed. Breast muscles of ZG were characterized by higher (P < 0.05) content of some nonessential (Glu, Asp, Ala) and essential amino acids (Val, Thr), and thigh muscles contained less (P < 0.05) Gly, Lys, and Leu and more Pro and Ile than WKG. The present results indicate that the meat of both ZG and WKG broilers showed good technological properties and basic chemical composition and fatty acid profile, and the protein was characterized by high nutritional value. Moreover, the smaller carcasses produced from ZG can better meet the needs of the current market.