Gut microbiome associated with melanin deposition by supporting energy metabolism in Sichuan mountainous black-bone chickens.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Variation in melanin deposition profoundly influences the economic value of Sichuan mountainous black-boned chickens; however, the contribution of the gut microbiome in modulating this process remains poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the gut microbiome in Sichuan mountainous black-boned chickens with distinct skin color brightness (quantified by colorimeter) and to explore its association with melanin deposition.

Methods

Cecal microbiota composition was profiled using 16S rRNA sequencing in dark-skinned (BlackD) and light-skinned (BlackL) groups. Serum metabolic profiles were determined via untargeted metabolomics. Differential abundance of bacterial genera was assessed, followed by pathway enrichment analysis (KEGG and MetaCyc). Associations

SUBMITTER: Liao J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12745435 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature