Protein-protein and protein-water interactions, which sequentially determines texture, macroscopic homogeneity of protein-based products, are closely associated with the aqueous diffusion rate of soy proteins. In this study, the particle size evolution and diffusion kinetics of eight commercial soy protein isolates (SPIs) were modeled in an aqueous system under continuous stir and combined ultrasonic perturbations. A first-order exponential kinetic model, D(t)=D∞+(D0−D∞)×e−k(t−t0), was selected as a parsimonious model for describing particle size evolution after comparison with alternative empirical kinetic models. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the rate of approaching equilibrium particle size of stir (kstir) or that stir combined ultrasonication (kus) exhibited significant correlations with the initial particle size, water-holding capacity (P < 0.05). Stepwise regression analysis identified calcium content as the major positive statistical predictor positively associated with kstir, whereas disulfide bond content was the major negative predictor of kus. Δk=(kus−kstir)/(kus+kstir), was formulated to compare the differential responses of SPI aggregates to stirring and ultrasonication Based on this index, hierarchical cluster analysis grouped the tested SPIs into three kinetic response patterns, descriptively termed. “weak non-covalent dominated” (Δk > 0.2), “strong non-covalent-dominated” (Δk < 0), and “covalent-dominated” (0< Δk <0.2). These findings suggest that the kinetic parameters of particle size evolution under sequential physical perturbations, when interpreted together with physicochemical indicators, can provide a phenomenological descriptor associated with the structural heterogeneity and aqueous diffusion behavior of commercial SPI aggregates.

Understanding the mechanisms underlying the flow behavior of aqueous soy protein dispersions could facilitate the optimization of the extrusion process and the attainment of desired texture modulation for meat analogs. The flow behavior of dispersions of 8 soybean protein isolates with distinct particle characteristics was systematically investigated. The total solids (TS) content varied from 6% to 50%, representing a range from low to high interparticle contact probability. The dominant factors influencing the rheological behavior in different TS content dispersions were developed based on an exponential model. In the relatively low TS content (6-7%) dispersions, viscosity was optimally predicted using the total water-holding capacity of the insoluble fraction, achieving an R2 of 0.90 and an RMSE of 35.29 for the fitted model. In the medium TS content (9-10%) dispersions, viscosity was optimally predicted by the product of particle size and the max-to-min size ratio in the hydrated state, with an R2 of 0.87 and an RMSE of 174.78 for the fitted model. In the high TS content (40-50%) dispersions, viscosity was optimally predicted using the tapped density in the powder state, yielding an R2 of 0.82 and an RMSE of 17942.05 for the fitted model.

The dissolution behaviors of two types of soybean protein isolates (SPI), DN and GN, in two salt solutions—KCl and CaCl2—were studied under various temperatures. The pseudo-critical concentration (CC) of SPI increased with temperature, indicating that the dissolution processes are endothermic. Followed by Hofmeister series, KCl exhibited a salting-out effect, whereas CaCl2 promoted a salting-in effect.Kinetic analysis revealed that the dissolution constants did not follow the Arrhenius formula. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS), evaluated via CC, show that ΔH is significantly smaller than that of protein crystallization, while ΔS is not. These findings suggest four key points: 1) a heterogeneous spatial mass distribution within SPI nanoparticles, 2) energy changes involvement of a trade-off among various bond-breaking processes, 3) a critical role of water molecules in thermodynamics through protein hydration, 4) inevitable protein conformational changes. These conformational changes were supported by two spectroscopic techniques, which yielded inconsistent results, further validating the heterogeneous spatial mass distribution. The nanoparticles (NPs) in SPI were characterized by their hydrodynamic radii (RH) and compactness (df). Structural variations associated with thermodynamic parameters were quantified via their correlation coefficients. However, the underlying reason why some of these coefficients exhibit opposite signs in KCl and CaCl2 solutions remains unclear. This study not only enhances understanding of food quality assessment and rational process development but also offers new insights into aggregate structure characterization.

The rheological behavior of soy protein isolate (SPI)-water-phospholipid systems prepared via dry (phospholipid powder) or wet (aqueous dispersion) mixing was investigated. The particle size of dry-mixed SPI-phospholipid powder was 11.03 μm larger than that of SPI, suggesting the adhesion of phospholipids to the surface of the SPI. Water desorption isotherms indicated wet mixing enhanced protein-water interactions, as its monolayer moisture content was close to SPI, while the dry-mixed sample's content approached phospholipids. Compared to dry mixing, wet mixing significantly increased the mean values for the degree of protein swelling by 4.61%, apparent density by 0.038 g/cm3 and the consistency coefficient by 9010 Pa·s. The system's consistency coefficient positively correlated with the product of swelling and apparent density (r > 0.74, P < 0.05). These findings elucidate how mixing protocols modulate protein hydration, providing rheological insights for the extrusion processing of high-solid plant-based foods.

This study investigated the effects of different dietary flaxseed inclusion levels (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10%) on the fatty acid composition, plasma biochemical parameters, and meat quality of Beijing-you chickens. A total of 960 6-week-old birds were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments in a completely randomized design, with eight replicates per treatment. Dietary flaxseed supplementation significantly decreased plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) concentrations (p < 0.05), while significantly increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (p < 0.05). Meat quality was also improved, as evidenced by reduced drip loss (p < 0.05). Moreover, gas chromatography analysis revealed that increasing dietary flaxseed levels markedly elevated the concentrations of total ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) in both breast and leg muscles (p < 0.05), accompanied by a significant reduction in the ω-6/ω-3 ratio (p < 0.05). Dietary flaxseed supplementation did not significantly affect the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content in pectoral muscle (p > 0.05), with the highest value observed at the 6% inclusion level. In conclusion, dietary flaxseed supplementation effectively enriches ω-3 PUFAs in chicken meat while simultaneously enhancing metabolic health indicators and improving meat quality traits.

Selective breeding for disease resistance is an effective strategy to control duck hepatitis A virus type 3 (DHAV-3) in waterfowl. However, the mechanism underlying resistance remains poorly understood, particularly those associated with antioxidant defense, intestinal development and host-microbiota interactions. A total of 100 1-day-old Pekin ducklings were used in this study with 50 DHAV-3 susceptible and resistant ducks, respectively. Samples were collected at 7 days post-hatching (D7), D21 and D42, 10 birds per group. We compared DHAV-3 resistant and susceptible ducks during early development with respect to immune organ indices, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, barrier-related gene expression and cecal microbiota. Resistant ducks exhibited higher spleen indices and stronger antioxidant capacity, characterized by increased superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, and total antioxidant capacity, along with lower malondialdehyde levels at D7 and D21. In contrast, susceptible ducks showed compensatory thymus hypertrophy and delayed development of antioxidant defense and intestinal maturation. Ileal morphology revealed greater villus height and width with more regular arrangement in resistant ducks at D7, whereas these differences diminished at D21 and D42. Gene expression analysis demonstrated higher early expression of the tight junction proteins CLDN1 and CLDN3 in resistant ducks, while susceptible ducks displayed elevated MUC2 and OCLN, suggesting stress induced compensatory responses. Cecal microbiota analysis revealed distinct colonization patterns in early development. Resistant ducks were enriched with Firmicutes and beneficial genera such as Enterococcus and Lactobacillus, whereas susceptible ducks harbored higher abundances of Bacteroidota and potentially opportunistic taxa. Microbial diversity increased with age in both groups, but resistant ducks displayed more orderly succession and enrichment of SCFA producing genera, including Subdoligranulum and Phascolarctobacterium, which positively correlated with plasma antioxidant indices. DHAV-3 resistant ducks exhibit early advantages in antioxidant defense, intestinal barrier development and colonization by beneficial microbiota, which collectively contribute to enhanced disease resistance. These findings highlight the synergistic roles of host physiology and gut microbiota in shaping resistance. In the future, integrating genomic selection with microbiota modulation and antioxidant interventions may accelerate the breeding of highly resistant duck lines and provide scientific evidence and practical strategies for controlling duck viral hepatitis.

As a global staple food, noodles have evolved into diverse forms, flavors, and consumption habits across different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. Chinese noodles and Italian pasta, primarily made from common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) flour and durum wheat (Triticum durum) semolina respectively, are the most representative noodle products in Eastern and Western dietary structures. Meanwhile, with the widespread dissemination of noodle products and influences from factors such as region, ethnicity, and religion, noodle consumption and dietary culture continue to evolve and develop. This paper systematically analyzes the similarities and differences between Chinese noodles and Italian pasta from aspects such as development history, raw material types, production processes, product forms, sauces and accompaniments, and consumption style, along with the resulting differences in consumption habits and dietary cultural connotations. These differences not only reflect the characteristics and charm of the two different cultures, but also provide people with more diverse dietary options, and in the context of globalization, the two pasta cultures are also influencing and integrating each other.

This study elucidates the competitive molecular interplay between starch gelatinization and protein aggregation in wheat flours of varying gluten strengths (strong, medium, weak) during atmospheric steam treatment (AST). Through integrated microstructural, crystallographic, spectroscopic, thermal, chromatographic, and electrophoretic analysis, we demonstrate a phase-dependent shift in dominance between starch gelatinization and protein aggregation. During initial AST (0-2 min), rapid starch hydration drives partial gelatinization, disrupting crystalline domains, reducing short-range molecular order, and promoting amylose-lipid complex formation. With extended treatment (4-10 min), dominance shifted to protein aggregation, where heat-induced conformational unfolding triggered alpha-helix to beta-sheet transitions, exposing buried sulfhydryl groups and hydrophobic residues. These changes facilitated irreversible protein network formation via disulfide cross-linking and hydrophobic associations. Concurrently, protein aggregates adhered to starch granule surfaces, forming physical barriers that restricted water penetration and suppressed further gelatinization. Gluten strength critically modulated these competitive interactions. During initial AST (2 min), gelatinization degrees reached 30.03 %, 35.02 %, and 37.86 % for strong gluten flour (SGF), medium gluten flour (MGF), and weak gluten flour (WGF), reaching 50.83 %, 55.16 %, and 58.14 % after 10 min treatment. Following AST, SGF formed dense, cross-linked protein matrices that tightly encapsulated partially gelatinized starch fragments. In contrast, WGF formed extensive starch gel phases with relatively sparse protein aggregates, resulting in a more open network. MGF displayed a balanced structure with interpenetrating starch and protein networks reflecting intermediate structural characteristics. These findings elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing starch-protein interplay during AST, providing mechanistic foundation for process optimization and targeted wheat-based products development with desirable functional properties.

Copper (Cu) improves pigeon growth; however, excessive dietary Cu in breeding pigeons (BP) ultimately harms the health of squab pigeons (SP). To explore the influence of different doses of Cu in BP, and its effects on the metabolism, gut microbiota and the transmission of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) in SP through vertical transmission, this study analyzed the effects of varying Cu doses on BP milk microbiota, along with serum and fecal Cu content, gut microbiota composition, and ARGs in SP. The findings revealed that sufficient Cu improved the average daily feed intake of BP. Dietary Cu supplementation affected its content in BP milk, serum, and feces, as well as Cu content in SP serum and feces. Importantly, Cu significantly altered the microbiota composition in BP milk, and ileum microbiota was reshaped in SP correspondingly. Furthermore, Cu markedly increased ARGs in SP, particularly in the T16 treatment group (basal diet supplemented with 16 mg/kg Cu), where higher abundances of arlR, cdeA, dfrL, efrA, optrA, and lsaE were observed. Correlation analysis showed that Lactobacillus and Escherichia-Shigella in BP milk were negatively and positively associated with Streptococcus and Clostridium in SP ileal mucosa samples. Diets supplemented with 16 mg/kg Cu led to the highest abundance of Gallibacterium in BP milk, which was positively linked to cdeA, lsaE, and optrA in SP. Overall, this research reveals the effects of dietary Cu levels on BP milk, Cu absorption and excretion, and its influence on SP microbiota and ARGs through vertical transmission.

Riboflavin is a crucial micronutrient essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis, acting as an important precursor for flavoproteins that utilize flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide as cofactors. Some flavoproteins play roles in the folding of newly synthesized proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum. However, the specific proteins whose folding is influenced by riboflavin remain unidentified. Disulfide bond-modified proteomics to identify proteins whose folding is influenced by riboflavin. Our findings identified 34 proteins in HepG2 cells, a highly riboflavin-dependent model, with riboflavin-dependent disulfide bond modifications. These proteins are primarily involved in metabolic pathways such as endoplasmic reticulum protein processing, antigen processing and presentation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, lysosomal function, and amino acid biosynthesis. Furthermore, the accumulation of these unfolded or misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum enhanced the activity of the CHOP promoter, leading to increased expression of the CHOP gene and protein, thereby triggering the cellular apoptosis pathway. For the first time, we have identified riboflavin-dependent protein folding substrates using disulfide bond-modified proteomics. These findings may provide new perspectives for future therapies targeting endoplasmic reticulum stress-related diseases.

Fatty acid composition of skeletal muscle is an important determinant of meat quality in poultry. In this study, we compared the breast muscle fatty acid profiles of White King (BW, n = 25) and Tarim (TM, n = 23) pigeons using targeted fatty acid quantification under identical feeding and management conditions. Sixteen differential fatty acids were identified, with TM pigeons exhibiting significantly higher levels of palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), oleic (C18:1n9c), and linoleic (C18:2n6c) acids (p < 0.001). Principal component analysis revealed clear separation between breeds, reflecting distinct fatty acid composition patterns. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes annotation indicated that differential fatty acids were associated with pathways related to fatty acid biosynthesis, elongation, and degradation. Together, these results describe breed-specific differences in breast muscle fatty acid composition and provide a descriptive biochemical reference for understanding variation in meat quality-related traits among pigeon breeds.

BackgroundThe precise volatile compounds accountable for the characteristic scent of the wheat aroma were presently unidentified. Given the prominent manifestation of “wheat aroma” in wheat cultivated in saline-alkali (SA) soil, five wheat varieties planted in saline-alkali soil and control soil (low saline-alkali soil) to create “rich-aroma” and “bland-aroma” samples, respectively.MethodsThe volatile profiles of these two groups of samples were analyzed using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatographyed with gas chromathes-SPME-GC-MS), and differential characteristic volatile compounds between “rich-aroma” and “bland-aroma” samples were identified by combining paired t-tests, relative odor activity values (ROAVs), and molecular docking analysis.ResultsA total of 75 volatile compounds were identified using HS-SPME-GC-MS. Paired t-test result revealed that a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the peak areas and relative contents of limonene (>109.74% increase), β-pinene (> 474.09% increase) contrasted with reduced butanoic acid (>38.71% reduction) and (E,E)-3,5-octadien-2-one (>16.05% reduction) in saline-alkali soil-cultivated wheats. Molecular docking demonstrated high binding energies (<-4.25 kcal/mol) of limonene, β-pinene, and (E,E)-3,5-octadien-2-one to olfactory receptors, corroborated by relative odor activity values (ROAVs. > 1).ConclusionLimonene, β-pinene and (E,E)-3,5-octadien-2-one are identified as possible saline-alkali soil-induced wheat aroma biomarkers, and offer theoretical insights for verificating wheat aroma. Identifying potential characteristic biomarkers in wheat under saline-alkali stress provides important theoretical insights for improving the flavor characteristics of wheat.

Targeted enzymatic modification of arabinoxylan (AX) molecular structure is an intriguing approach to enhance its functional properties in food and health applications. This study investigates the structure-function relationship of arabinoxylan, specifically how enzymatic modification alters its molecular weight and branching degree to improve biofunctional properties. Two AX fractions were extracted from wheat bran before (UAX) and after (EAX) enzymatic treatment, representing low (UAXL, EAXL) and high (UAXH, EAXH) molecular weight/branching variants. Enzymatic modification significantly (p < 0.05) improved bioactivity, with EAXH exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity (56.27 %) and ABTS radical scavenging capacity (65.34 %), likely due to increased bound ferulic acid and reduced free ferulic acid and side-chain branching. Structural analysis using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed enhanced morphological uniformity post-modification, while thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) confirmed improved thermal stability—particularly in EAXH fraction—highlighting its potential for heat-processed food applications. These results demonstrate that precise enzymatic tailoring of AX structure can strategically enhance its functional performance, enabling the development of high-value functional polysaccharides for food applications.

The liver serves as an excellent model for studying body development. Numerous studies have been conducted on mammalian liver development, whereas research focusing on duck liver remains limited, particularly regarding the embryonic stage. Additionally, hepatocytes from duck embryos exhibit limited in vitro proliferation and are prone to undergoing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which hinders the maintenance of hepatocyte characteristics and functions. In this study, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Oil red O staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed on liver tissues from 5 to 26 days of embryonic ages to investigate their developmental characteristics. The results revealed that liver development was characterized by increasing hepatocyte numbers, extending hepatocyte cords, rising number, and decreasing area of liver sinusoids, the formation of diverse blood vessels, the progressive accumulation of lipid droplets, and alterations in the types, and quantities of organelles. Simultaneously, cell morphology, biochemical indicators, function indicators, and growth curves were assessed in hepatocyte culture. Among the 5 candidate media selected, Medium 1 and Medium 9 were found to be most suitable for hepatocyte proliferation and characteristic maintenance. Furthermore, it was found that serum significantly enhanced hepatocyte proliferation efficiency, whereas high concentrations could induce EMT. Notably, Medium 9-a promoted hepatocyte proliferation without EMT. Finally, a comparison of growth curves across eleven media revealed that Medium 9 and Medium 9-a showed superior performance. Therefore, these findings provide valuable insights and a powerful cellular tool for subsequent studies on liver functions and nutritional metabolism in ducks.

Two soybean protein isolates (SPI), one of high (GN) and one of low molecular weight (DN) were prepared. Nanoparticles (NPs) possessing a heterogeneous spatial molecular distribution were verified in both SPI solutions. Spherical GN NPs were larger, more compact, formed more stable bonds between their components, and carried more negative charges when compared with the spherical DN NPs. Upon their dilution, NPs in both solutions underwent various geometrical shape changes via simultaneous particle swelling and dissembling. Their fluorescence spectra revealed bond disruption in NPs, with tryptophan and tyrosine moving to more hydrophobic micro-environments when the solutions were diluted 10 times. All aforementioned results were further corroborated by measurements of filtered samples. The NPs property differences between the two SPIs species shed light on their distinct fates during the extrusion process. This study offers new insights in establising criteria for raw materials selection in the food industry.

Mianhua, a traditional fermentation-type staple food popular in northern China, undergoes dynamic microbial and volatile compound changes during industrial processing. 848 volatile compounds were identified using volatile metabolomics dominated by esters (18.51 %), notably hexanoic acid ethyl ester and octanoic acid ethyl ester, which confer fruity flavors. Metagenomics analysis revealed Proteus (25.93 %), Fructilactobacillus (16.63 %), Lactobacillus (10.16 %) and Companilactobacillus (7.14 %) as dominant genera. Mixing with traditional starters was critical for flavor development, driven by microbial succession and synergistic interactions between Lactobacillaceae (e.g., Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis and Lactobacillus helveticus) and Kazachstania during fermentation. Notably, F. sanfranciscensis and L. helveticus were significantly correlated with the formation of key esters with fruity characteristics, elucidating their roles in substrate conversion via carbohydrate metabolism and the esterification pathways. This study clarifies the microbial contributions to fruity flavor and provides insights into volatile-microbiota correlations, laying a foundation for future flavor-oriented research and industrial applications of microbiota regulation in Mianhua production.

Pre-harvest application of benzothiadiazole (BTH) improves wine grape quality by modulating lipoxygenase (LOX)-derived volatile compounds, a hallmark aroma profile in ‘Chardonnay’ grapes (Vitis vinifera L.). This study elucidates the impact of whole-plant BTH spraying on LOX metabolite accumulation and relative expression in ‘Chardonnay’ grapes and their possible molecular mechanisms. Our findings demonstrate that BTH treatment significantly increases the concentration of reducing sugars, soluble solids, 100-berry weight, pH, total phenols, and flavonoids in grapes, while reducing titratable acid, skin/berry ratio, and fatty acid concentration. Additionally, the BTH treatment increased the concentration of C6/C9, aromatic, and volatile norisoprenoid compounds, but decreased terpenoid and branched chain compounds. Relative expression analysis revealed that BTH up-regulated key LOX pathway genes and promoted the conversion of C6 aldehyde to C6 alcohol. The results presented in this study may provide insights into BTH’s role in the LOX metabolism regulation and its dual benefits in optimizing grape quality through improved sugar-acid balance and elevated phenols and flavonoids in ‘Chardonnay’ grapes.

Due to the monogamous mating system and late maturity of pigeons, their breeding cycle is longer compared to that of other poultry species, which has hindered the optimization of growth traits and meat quality. While traditional breeding methods are commonly used, they lack precision and are time-consuming. This study integrates phenotypic data from Tarim pigeons and White King pigeons with genomic information, using genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) to identify genetic markers associated with key economic traits, thereby accelerating the breeding process. The results reveal significant correlations between body type characteristics (e.g., live weight and chest depth) and carcass traits, supporting their use as indirect selection criteria. GWAS identified several candidate genes, including PPARGC1A and ADGRA3, linked to muscle development and metabolic regulation. To enhance breeding efficiency, this study developed a Liquid Phase Chip (LPC), designed to use high-throughput technology for identifying genetic markers related to carcass traits. Although the LPC is not yet commercially available, the 50K pigeon LPC from this study could provide crucial theoretical support for its future application. Ultimately, the LPC will serve as an important tool for precision and efficiency in pigeon breeding, driving the development and optimization of the pigeon industry.

Rheological properties influence the velocity gradient in the die passage of the extruder and the formation of fibrous structure of plant protein. The rheological properties of 11 s-rich (11 s-RI) and 7 s-rich (7 s-RI) soy protein fractions prepared at a pilot scale were studied to explore their potential in the production of extruded textured proteins. The results showed that compared to 7 s-RI, 11 s-RI exhibited larger particle sizes, lower solubility, lower water holding capacity of insoluble protein, and lower net surface charge in aqueous solutions. The ion strength enhancement with the presence of phosphate resulted in increasing solubility of 11 s-RI, and rising particles sizes in 11 s-RI and 7 s-RI solutions characterized by D4,3. But salt addition reduced the viscosity in both protein solutions when their solid concentration rose to 16 % (11 s-RI) and 45 % (7 s-RI). It's concluded solventization and salting-out were the dominant effects of the decreasing viscosity in 11 s-RI and 7 s-RI phosphate solutions, respectively.

Background: Plumage coloration is a distinctive trait in ducks, and the Liancheng duck, characterized by its white plumage and black beak and webbed feet, serves as an excellent subject for such studies. However, academic comprehension of the genetic mechanisms underlying duck plumage coloration remains limited. To this end, the Liancheng duck genome (GCA_039998735.1) was hereby de novo assembled using HiFi reads, and F2 segregating populations were generated from Liancheng and Pekin ducks. The aim was to identify the genetic mechanism of white plumage in Liancheng ducks. Results: In this study, 1.29 Gb Liancheng duck genome was de novo assembled, involving a contig N50 of 12.17 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 83.98 Mb. Beyond the epistatic effect of the MITF gene, genome-wide association study analysis pinpointed a 0.8-Mb genomic region encompassing the PMEL gene. This gene encoded a protein specific to pigment cells and was essential for the formation of fibrillar sheets within melanosomes, the organelles responsible for pigmentation. Additionally, linkage disequilibrium analysis revealed 2 candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (Chr33: 5,303,994A>G; 5,303,997A>G) that might alter PMEL transcription, potentially influencing plumage coloration in Liancheng ducks. Conclusions: Our study has assembled a high-quality genome for the Liancheng duck and has presented compelling evidence that the white plumage characteristic of this breed is attributable to the PMEL gene. Overall, these findings offer significant insights and direction for future studies and breeding programs aimed at understanding and manipulating avian plumage coloration.