Development of breast muscle parameters, glycogen reserves, and myogenic gene expression in goslings during pre- and...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Developmental Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Understanding early-life development in goslings is crucial for poultry science.
• Breast muscle and glycogen metabolism are key indicators of growth and energy reserves.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the developmental trajectories of breast muscle and glycogen reserves in goslings.
• To analyze the expression patterns of myogenic genes (Myf-5, MSTN) during gosling development.
• To correlate muscle development, glycogen content, and gene expression.

Main Methods:

• Goslings were sampled at specific embryonic and post-hatching days (embryonic days 23, 27; post-hatching days 1, 4, 7).
• Measurements included body weight, small intestine and breast muscle development, myofiber diameter, and glycogen content (breast muscle and liver).
• Gene expression analysis for Myf-5 and MSTN was performed.

Main Results:

• Body weight and small intestine increased with age; breast muscle development decreased post-hatching.
• Myofiber diameter and breast muscle glycogen followed similar patterns, increasing before hatching and decreasing afterward.
• Liver glycogen initially decreased before hatching, then increased rapidly post-hatching. Myf-5 expression increased with age, while MSTN expression decreased post-hatching.
• Positive correlations were found between breast muscle glycogen and myofiber diameter, and between liver glycogen and multiple muscle parameters. Myofiber development synchronized with the MSTN/Myf-5 ratio.

Conclusions:

• Gosling breast muscle and glycogen reserves exhibit complex, age-dependent development patterns.
• Myogenic gene expression (MSTN/Myf-5 ratio) is synchronized with myofiber development.
• These findings provide insights into energy reserve strategies during early gosling life stages.