# Genetic polymorphisms in HMGCS1 gene and its association with slaughter characteristics, meat quality, and organ coefficients in Guizhou white goats

## TL;DR

This study identifies genetic variations in the HMGCS1 gene of Guizhou white goats and links them to meat quality and slaughter traits, which could help improve goat breeding.

## Contribution

The study discovers specific HMGCS1 gene polymorphisms strongly associated with intramuscular fat content, offering potential molecular markers for goat breeding.

## Key findings

- Four polymorphic loci in the HMGCS1 gene were identified and associated with slaughter traits and meat quality.
- Males showed better slaughter traits and higher organ coefficients than females of the same genotype.
- The g.15523T>C and g.15530G>C loci are strongly linked and significantly associated with intramuscular fat content.

## Abstract

This study aimed to identify polymorphisms in the gene encoding the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1, HMGCS1, and analyze their association with slaughter characteristics, meat quality, and organ coefficients in Guizhou white goats.

A total of 153 twelve-month-old Guizhou white goats (78 male and 75 female) were included in the study. Slaughter characteristics, meat quality, and organ coefficients were assessed. Association analyses between genotypes and phenotypic traits were conducted using a generalized linear model.

Four polymorphic loci were identified, i.e., g.15523T>C, g.15530G>C, g.18413T>C, g.19711G>A in exons 5, 8, and 9 of the HMGCS1 gene. Across all polymorphic loci, males of the same genotype generally exhibited significantly better slaughter traits compared to females of the same genotype (p<0.05). At the g.18413T>C locus, differences in shear force were observed between males and females of the same genotype and within the same sex across different genotypes (p<0.05). Organ coefficients were significantly higher in males of the same genotype compared to females (p<0.05). The g.15523T>C and g.15530G>C loci were found in strong linkage disequilibrium and significantly associated with intramuscular fat content (p<0.05). Fat content in diploid Hap2/2 individuals was significantly higher than in Hap1/1 and Hap1/2 (p<0.05). At the g.19711G>A locus, female goats with the CC genotype showed significantly higher levels of dry matter compared to male goats of the same genotype and female goats of other genotypes within the group. Organ coefficients for the liver and hooves in male goats were significantly higher than in females of the same genotype (p<0.05).

The strongly linked loci g.15523T>C and g.15530G>C were significantly associated with intramuscular fat content and could be used as molecular markers for enhancing this trait in goat breeding programs, fostering the development of goat production.