Local chicken breeds in China are highly regarded for their superior meat flavor. This study utilized lipidomics and non-targeted metabolomics to identify biomarkers influencing intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition in the breast muscle of 42- and 180-day-old Jingyuan chickens. Results revealed that IMF content was higher in the breast muscle of 180-day-old Jingyuan chickens compared to 42-day-old chickens (P < 0.01). We identified 248 differentially expressed lipids (DELs) and 1042 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs). The breast muscle of 180-day-old chickens contained higher levels of TG, fatty acid (FA) and cholesteryl ester (CE), with C16:1 and C18:1 being particularly abundant. Integration of non-targeted metabolomic analyses emphasized glycerolipid metabolism and vitamin digestion and absorption as the main pathways distinguishing between 42- and 180-day-old chickens. Additionally, the differential metabolites LysoPS 18:1, LysoPC 20:3, LysoPC 18:2, LysoPI 20:3, and Pantothenic acid contributed to enhanced meat flavor in Jingyuan chickens.
Keywords: Intramuscular fat; Jingyuan chicken; Lipid metabolism; Meat flavor.
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