Influence of gene expression, related to fat deposition and fibroblast proliferation in the Longissimus thoracis muscle of progeny of Wagyu Kuroge sires, raised in a tropical climate

• Grant number: 23/13402-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2023
• End date: November 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry - Animal Production
• Principal Investigator: Angélica Simone Cravo Pereira
• Grantee: Stella Zanini Barbosa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Currently, there is a growing interest in high quality beef, driving the specialization and technology of animal production, aiming to maximize meat production and ensure the satisfaction of demanding consumers. In this scenario of beef cattle evolution, the introduction of superior breeds, such as the Wagyu Kuroge, in the national herd is a strategy in the production of quality meat to add value to the final product. However, studies on the adaptation of Wagyu cattle in tropical climates are necessary, since the references are based on animals raised in the temperate climate of Japan. Therefore, it is proposed to evaluate the influence of the expression of genes related to fat deposition and proliferation of fibroblasts in the Longissimus thoracis muscle in progenies of Wagyu Kuroge sires, from different lineages (Itozakura, 100% Tajima, Hiroshima, High % Tajima). Qualitative evaluation of the carcass and meat will be carried out, including marbling score (MAR) and subcutaneous fat thickness (EGS), as well as quantitative analyzes covering the quantification of total lipids (TL) and gene expression analyzes of TGF²-1, PPARy, C/EBP±, Zfp423 and TPM-1. Additionally, histological analyzes will be performed using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining. It is expected to find histological changes, as well as differences in gene expression, related to adipocytes deposition and the proliferation of fibroblasts in beef from Wagyu Kuroge, finished in tropical conditions.