The g.4290 C>G Polymorphism in the FADS2 Gene Modifies the Fatty Acid Profile of the Pectoralis Superficialis Muscle of Ross 308 Broiler Chickens

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The fatty acid profile of meat of various species of farm animal determines the health-promoting properties of meat products. Primates, like other mammals, are not able to synthesize essential fatty acids, but can convert essential fatty acids provided with food to long-chain fatty acids with 20 and 22 carbon atoms. Therefore, essential fatty acids supplied in the diet play a huge role in human nutrition, including meat products. The effect of the g.4290 C>G substitution in the FADS2 gene and g.285 C>T in the FABP4 gene on carcass quality, meat quality, and fatty acid profile of the pectoralis superficialis muscle of broiler chickens was analyzed. A significant influence of g.4290 C>G in the FADS2 gene on the pectoralis superficialis muscle fatty acid profile was demonstrated. The studied polymorphism determined the saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids, as well as the content of docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids important in human nutrition. Polymorphisms in the FADS2 gene locus affect animal fat characteristics and can be used as genetic markers for poultry meat. ABSTRACT: The effect of the g.4290 C>G substitution in the FADS2 gene and g.285 C>T in the FABP4 gene on carcass quality, meat quality, and fatty acid profile of the pectoralis superficialis muscle of 238 male broiler chickens reared up to 45 days of age was analyzed. A significant influence of g.4290 C>G in the FADS2 gene on the pectoralis superficialis muscle fatty acid profile was demonstrated. Chickens with the GG genotype were characterized by the highest content of conjugated linoleic acid, amino acids, eicosapentaenoic acids, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acids. and the lowest value of the linoleic acid/alpha-linolenic acid ratio. The FABP4 polymorphism determined only the content of C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6 and docosahexaenoic acid. There was no effect of the studied genotypes on final body weight, carcass quality traits, or quality of broiler pectoral muscles.