Multiomics analysis uncovers host-microbiota interactions regulate hybrid vigor traits in geese

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Genetics
• Microbiology

Background:

• Economic hybridization is key for improving poultry quality.
• Hybrid geese (ZF) were developed by crossing Xianghai Flying geese (FG) and Zi geese (ZG).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying heterosis in hybrid geese.
• To analyze phenotypic, transcriptomic, gut microbiome, and metabolomic data.

Main Methods:

• Cross-breeding of geese lines (FG x ZG) to create hybrid geese (ZF).
• Multi-omics analyses including transcriptomics, gut microbiome sequencing, and metabolomics.
• Protein-protein interaction network analysis to identify key candidate genes.

Main Results:

• Hybrid geese (ZF) displayed superior traits: increased body weight, breast muscle, and ileal villus height; reduced abdominal fat; and improved meat quality.
• Transcriptomic analysis identified 87 differentially expressed genes related to energy metabolism and cell adhesion, with KDR, CS, PDHA1, IDH2, and GAPDH as key candidates.
• Gut microbiome analysis revealed a shift towards beneficial bacteria like Bacteroides (producing short-chain fatty acids) and a decrease in pathogenic Desulfovibrio.

Conclusions:

• Hybrid geese (ZF) exhibit significant improvements in growth, meat quality, and gut health.
• Host gene expression and gut microbiota composition interact synergistically to drive hybrid vigor.
• This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding host-gut microbiota interactions in regulating hybrid vigor in geese.