Dietary perennial ryegrass improves meat quality through the gut–muscle axis in geese by regulating the ECM receptor complex/TGF-β signaling

Perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne ) is a nutrient-rich forage with potential benefits for livestock. However, its effects on muscle growth and meat quality in waterfowl remain unclear. This study evaluated the impact of ryegrass (GD) on goose meat quality, gut microbiota, and related metabolic pathways. Geese fed GD exhibited reduced body weight and abdominal fat and enhanced meat quality as indicated by increased muscle fiber density, reduced shear force, cooking loss and improved water-holding capacity ( p < 0.05). Myogenic genes expression (PGC-1α and MyHC-I/IIa) increased, whereas the expression of negative regulators (MSTN, and MURF-1) decreased. GD supplementation promoted antioxidant defenses in the serum, liver, and muscle, characterized by higher Nrf2 and HO-1 levels, and reduced lipid peroxidation markers (MDA, and TBARS). The GD group demonstrated healthier lipid profiles, elevated levels of essential amino acids, and favorable fatty acid composition, associated with upregulation of lipolytic and amino acid transporters. Gut microbiota diversity improved with an increase in beneficial genera and short-chain fatty acids. Furthermore, extracellular matrix (ECM) and its genes were upregulated, and TGF-β signaling was inhibited. These results support the use of perennial ryegrass as a functional forage for improving goose meat quality and metabolic health through modulation of the gut–muscle axis. • Perennial ryegrass (GD) improved muscle morphology and meat quality indicators • GD enhanced amino acid, fatty acid, and antioxidant status of meat muscles • GD shifted gut microbiota and boosted SCFA-producing bacteria • ECM receptor signaling increased, while TGF-β pathway was downregulated in muscle