Breed-related differences in meat quality, hydrolyzed amino acid and nucleotide profiles, and metabolomic features of pigeons

Breed-related differences in breast meat quality and chemical composition were evaluated in 28-day-old Shiqi, Dabao, and White King squabs ( n = 10 per breed). Dabao pigeons had the highest 24-h drip loss and largest muscle fibers, whereas White King pigeons showed the lowest drip loss and shear force, higher pH, lower L , and higher a and b* values. Hydrolyzed aspartic acid, serine, alanine, cysteine, and methionine were generally higher in Shiqi pigeons. Among nucleotides, only cytidine monophosphate differed among breeds. Untargeted LC–MS metabolomics showed clearer separation in comparisons involving White King pigeons. After multiple-testing correction, five unique differential metabolite features remained significant. Exploratory pathway analysis of the Dabao–White King comparison indicated linoleic acid and arachidonic acid metabolism, although each pathway was supported by limited features. Overall, breed-related variation in meat quality was accompanied by differences in muscle structure, hydrolyzed amino acid composition, and metabolic profiles.