Comparison of Meat Quality, Including Fatty Acid Content and Amino Acid Profile, and Transcriptome Profile among Hanwoo, Korea Black Cattle, and Jeju Black Cattle

Abstract This study aimed to compare the meat quality, including fatty acid content, amino acid profile, and transcriptome profile, among three Korean cattle breeds: Hanwoo, Korean black cattle (KBC), and Jeju black cattle (JBC). We analyzed fatty acid compositions, revealing that Hanwoo had higher levels of saturated fatty acids such as pentadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, and margaric acid than other cattle breeds. In contrast, KBC showed higher levels of linolenic acid, which is one of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Free amino acid profiles showed that Hanwoo and JBC had significantly higher levels of glutamic acid, glycine, and phenylalanine compared to KBC. KBC had a significantly higher arginine content, while Hanwoo had a significantly higher serine content compared to the other two breeds. Regarding constituent amino acid content, JBC had a higher glutamic acid content, which is associated with umami, and exhibited a lower level of valine, arginine, isoleucine, and phenylalanine compared to the other breeds. RNA transcriptome analysis identified key differentially expressed genes involved in lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis, including MOGAT1, ANGPTL8, and SLC38A4. Network analysis highlighted substantial differences in muscle system processes, fat cell differentiation, and other pathways between the breeds. These findings provide foundational data for genetic selection programs aimed at enhancing meat quality and offer valuable insights into preserving the unique characteristics of Korean indigenous cattle.