Correlation and regression analysis of milk quality-related functional genes and milk components in normal milk of Liaoning cashmere goats

Abstract

Goat milk is valued for health benefits like easy digestibility and low allergenicity, with “goaty flavor” as one of its characteristics, yet studies on the milk flavor of Liaoning cashmere goats (LCG) remain scarce. Using milk components as surrogates for flavor, this study preliminarily employed combined flavoromics and transcriptomics to screen functional genes (LPL, FMO3, ACSS2, ACSF3) associated with LCG milk components. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping based on PCR-seq revealed genotype-trait associations: at LPL-C17065T, the CC genotype was superior for milk components milk fat (Fat), crude protein (Cru.Prot) and body size traits, while TT favored cashmere yield; at FMO3-C16170T, CC benefited milk components and body size, and CT was better for cashmere; at ACSF3-C8287T, CC was optimal for milk components and cashmere, and TT favored body size; at ACSS2-G43516A, GA benefited milk components and cashmere, and GG favored body size. Phenotypic analysis showed Total Solids (TS) correlated positively with milk fat and negatively with lactose; milk fat correlated positively with cashmere content and negatively with effective fiber number. After false discovery rate (FDR) correction, Multi-Locus Genotype Combination (MLGCs) (e.g., H2H2, H4H6) significantly affected milk components. These findings provide key genetic markers for LCG breeding and a theoretical basis for its genetic improvement.