Metabonomics analysis of Zi goose follicular granulosa cells using ENO1 gene expression interference

Integrated analysis of whole genome and transcriptome sequencing uncovers genetic differences between Zi goose and Xianghai flying goose

Zi goose is a famous indigenous breed originating from northeast China with high annual egg production. Xianghai flying goose is a composite breed and is bred by crosses of the wild swan goose and the Zi goose. Our previous study revealed significant differences in muscle fiber characteristics between the two populations. Here, we aimed to reveal the underlying genetic basis of the above phenotype differences through whole-genome and transcriptome analysis. A total of 20 blood samples (10 Zi geese and 10 Xianghai flying geese) were used for whole genome sequencing, and eight breast muscle tissue samples (four Zi geese and four Xianghai flying geese) were used for RNA sequencing. Using the FST and XP-EHH analysis, some highly differentiated genome regions annotated with egg production (RORB, WNT4, BMPR1B) and breast muscle development (WNT7B) between the two populations were detected. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed differentially expressed genes related to muscle development (IGF1, PAX7). Moreover, several genes were detected by both genome and transcriptome analysis, and some of them were reported to be associated with muscle growth (SLIT2, PREX1) and intramuscular fat (COL6A1). These findings will help researchers better understand the genetic basis related to egg production and muscle development in geese.

The association of social rank with paternity efficiency in competitive mating flocks of Zi goose ganders (Anser cygnoides L.)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of social rank (SR) on paternity efficiency (PE) in competitive mating flocks of geese. Thirty ganders and 150 geese (Zi geese, Anser cygnoides L.) aged approximately one, were divided into 3 groups. Flock 1 included 10 ganders and 50 female geese, flock 2 included 11 ganders and 55 female geese, and flock 3 included 9 ganders and 45 female geese. The frequency of the agonistic behavioral interactions (ABI) of the ganders and mating activity (MA) were video recorded in each flock. The SR of each gander was determined by the frequency of ABI with a score of 1 to 3 (1 being the dominant and 3 the most subordinate). To clarify the difference between being dominant and submissive, we collapsed rank 2 and rank 3 into a “subordinate” category. In total, 280 eggs were collected, and 219 goslings were hatched. Parent–offspring relationships among 399 individuals from the 2 generations were identified via 20 microsatellite markers, and the PE of each gander was calculated. There was no significant difference in individual body weight and semen quality factor among the different SR groups (dominant and subordinate), and the SR of the ganders was significantly correlated to PE for the 3 flocks. Goslings of high-ranking ganders contributed 48.68% in flock 1, 37.50% in flock 2, and 47.62% in flock 3. Approximately 45% of all goslings were sired by the 7 dominant ganders of the 30 total ganders across the 3 flocks. As SR has been shown to be heritable in geese, the selection of high-ranking ganders might be an effective way to improve reproductive efficiency in commercial geese flocks.