Integrating lipidomics and metabolomics to reveal biomarkers of fat deposition in chicken meat

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.