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Sex-dependent dynamic changes in pectoral muscle properties and gut microbiota composition in Qiandongnan Xiaoxiang
Meilin Hao1, Wenjie Cheng2,3, Junhong Zhu2
1College of Biology and Agriculture, Zunyi Normal College, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
Introduction:
Sex differences profoundly affect meat quality traits in chickens, but the role of gut microbiota in this process remains unclear, especially in indigenous breeds.
Methodology:
This study investigated pectoral muscle fiber characteristics, amino acid composition, and cecal microbiota of Qiandongnan Xiaoxiang chickens at 60,120, and 180 days of age (n = 6 per sex per age).
Results:
At 60 days, roosters had higher total fiber number and density, while hens showed larger fiber area, average area, and diameter (P < 0. 05). At 120 days, hens maintained larger total fiber area (P < 0. 05); at 180 days, total fiber area remained higher in hens (P < 0. 05). Amino acid content shifted from hen dominance at 60/120 days to rooster dominance at 180 days. Gut microbiota diversity and composition showed significant sex differences, with differential genera decreasing from 26 (60d) to2 (180d). Correlation analysis linked Phascolarctobacterium and Intestinimonas positively with muscle traits.
Discusssion:
These findings reveal dynamic sexual dimorphism in muscle properties and gut microbiota, suggesting a potential association between sex-dependent microbiota variation and muscle-related traits.
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