Breed-specific plasma metabolomic profiles of tropical goats as a basis for precision nutrition

Abstract

Background: The productivity of goats in the tropics is largely hampered by low feeding efficiency and inefficient nutrient utilization. Understanding the breed-specific metabolic response is essential for developing a feeding strategy under low environmental conditions. Metabolomics provides a systemic approach to identifying metabolic changes that would not be detected by conventional biochemical markers. Aim: This study aimed to identify breed-specific metabolic differences among tropical goat breeds and identify potential nutritional biomarkers for precision feeding. Methods: An integrated biochemical and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolomic profiling approach was used in Kacang, Etawa crossbred, and Saanen goats (n = 9). Three animals from each breed were included for comparative analysis. An analysis investigation involving analysis was carried out using biochemical, statistical methods ANOVA and multivariate statistics (principal component analysis, and partial least squares–discriminant analysis) in plasma. Results: A distinct breed-specific clustering and metabolite patterns characterized the two biotic groups of Saanen goats, which were characterized by enriched carbohydrate-related metabolites, including sorbitol and D-xylose, potentially reflecting increased energy turnover associated with high milk production potential. Compared with the Etawa crossbred goat, the kacang goat (L-alanine), L-isoleucine, L-methionine etc were higher suggesting that glucoseand alanine -aspartate- glutamate metabolism pathway was a predominant pathway supporting energy regulation and protein turnover. Conclusion: This study revealed clear breed-specific plasma metabolomic profiles among Kacang, Etawa crossbred, and Saanen goats, highlighting distinct carbohydrate- and amino acid–related pathways that underlie differences in energy and protein metabolism. These findings yield preliminary candidate plasma metabolites linked to feed efficiency and environmental adaptation, providing a basis for precision nutrition strategies to improve productivity and sustainability in tropical goat farming.

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