Comparison of Fatty Acid Composition and Metabolite Compounds in the Early Stage of Hanwoo Steers with Different Genetic Potentials.

The genetic sequencing of Hanwoo steers can be available for the selection of best steers for high-quality meat production.This experiment aimed to examine differences in fatty acid profiles and metabolite compounds of Hanwoo steers at the late growth stage due to genetic selection for higher growth rate and better meat quality. Forty-eight Hanwoo steers were categorized based on age (10 months-10M, 13 months-13M) and further classified by genetic traits into growth (G) and quality (Q) subgroups. Muscle samples taken from live steers were examined using gas chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Oleic acid, linoleic acid, Dihomo-γ-Linolenic and eicosapentaenoic acid indicated significant differences between genetic trait groups regardless of the effect of age. The combined effect of age and genetic potential did not significantly alter the levels of most fatty acids, except eladic acid, linolenic acid, and godonic acid. Simultaneously, significant differences were not observed between growth and quality traits within the same age group. All metabolite compounds categorized under genetic traits without considering the age effect were not significantly different from each group. However, metabolomic analysis revealed higher concentrations of protein synthesis-related amino acids and energy metabolism compounds in the 10M group. Simultaneously, PLS-DA data clearly distinguishes between the 10M and 13M groups. According to the Variable Importance in Projection score plot, this geographical variation is due to betaine, carnosine, creatine, isoleucine, anserine, inosine, and inosine monophosphate. Overall, genetic traits did not significantly impact fatty acid or metabolite profiles during the late growth stage, suggesting these effects may be more pronounced earlier in life. In contrast, age had a more notable influence, leading to distinct metabolic and fatty acid composition differences between 10M and 13M steers.