Integrated multi-omics reveals potential regulatory mechanisms of meat quality.

We hypothesized that the differences in meat quality stem from breed-specific regulation of muscle metabolic pathways. To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying meat quality differences between Liangshan cattle and Simmental crossbred cattle, we conducted metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of the longissimus dorsi. Metabolomics revealed that Liangshan cattle exhibited higher l-carnitine levels, which may contribute to enhanced energy metabolism and improved meat quality, as well as a more favorable fatty acid composition. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis suggested potential regulatory mechanisms: FASN may enhance fat deposition and tenderness by promoting butanoyl-CoA biosynthesis. Additionally, ALDOC, PFKL, PGAM1, and SDS may modulate citrulline metabolic flux, thereby influencing protein synthesis and promoting lipogenesis. These findings support our hypothesis by clarifying how coordinated gene-metabolite interactions influence meat quality. A potential regulatory model for the genetic-metabolic interaction of beef quality was established, providing a candidate framework for molecular breeding targeting beef quality traits.