Metabolomic analysis of different cuts of Gangba sheep

Gangba sheep, a quintessential Tibetan breed, have been understudied with regard to their meat quality characteristics. In this study, the front leg (FL), hind leg (HL), and tenderloin (TL) cuts of female and male Gangba sheep were investigated and compared using quantitative metabolomes. A total of 847 metabolites were identified, with fatty acyls and amino acids and its derivatives serving as the primary contributors to intergroup variation. The TL cuts exhibited the greatest variety of differentially abundant metabolites, while the HL cuts revealed more pronounced sex differences compared to the FL cuts. Specific potential biomarkers were identified for each sex: in females, apocholic acid, uric acid, and N6-succinyl adenosine for FL, carnitine C14:3 for HL, and L-citrulline for TL; in males, D-ornithine, 3-amino-2-piperidinone, L-glutamine, and N6, N6, N60-trimethy-L-lysine for FL, O-phospho-L-serine for HL, and Asp-glu for TL. Sex-specific markers included apocholic acid, 3-oxocholic acid, and N6-acetyl-L-lysine. Acylcarnitine profiles also revealed significant sex differences. Amino acid analysis suggested superior meat tenderness in TL cuts, while organic acid analysis highlighted better flavor potential in FL cuts. These findings provide a potential method for distinguishing the different cuts of Gangba sheep and offer important insights into the quality of Gangba sheep.