Integrative analysis of the transcriptome, proteomics and metabolomics reveals key genes involved in the regulation of breast muscle metabolites in capons.

Castration is widely used in poultry and livestock to enhance fat metabolism and improve the flavor, tenderness and juiciness of meat. However, the genetic regulatory mechanism underlying castration consequences have not been clarified. To investigate the key metabolites affecting the quality of capons and the key regulatory mechanisms, Qingyuan partridge roosters were subjected to castration.

Analysis of the differentially expressed genes in the combs and testes of Qingyuan partridge roosters at different developmental stages.

Background: The sexual maturity of chickens is an important economic trait, and the breeding of precocious and delayed puberty roosters is an important selection strategy for broilers. The comb serves as an important secondary sexual characteristic of roosters and determines their sexual precocity. Moreover, comb development is closely associated with gonad development in roosters.