The effect of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) on MYOD۱ gene expression in the muscle tissues of the thigh, shoulder, and loin in Kermani lambs

Medicinal plants have gained attention as natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in livestock nutrition due to their bioactive compounds. Among these, fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) shows promise, though its role in muscle development remains underexplored. The MYOD۱ gene, a key member of the myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) family, regulates muscle cell differentiation and growth. Increased expression of this gene is associated with enhanced muscle performance. This study examined the impact of fennel supplementation on MYOD۱ gene expression in selected muscle tissues. A total of ۴۸ muscle samples were collected from ۱۶ lambs, with ۸ animals assigned to each of two experimental groups. From each lamb, three muscle types (shoulder, thigh, and loin) were sampled, resulting in ۲۴ samples per group. Fennel supplementation significantly increased MYOD۱ expression in all muscle types (P<۰.۰۵), with the highest expression in thigh and the lowest one in shoulder tissue. The results suggested that fennel may positively influence muscle development at the molecular level by upregulating the MYOD۱ gene expression although its potential as a natural feed additive to support muscle growth and meat quality in livestock warrants further investigation. Given the MYOD۱’s central role in muscle growth regulation, exploring how medicinal plants affect its expression could advance functional livestock nutrition and genetic improvement strategies. Future studies should examine the underlying molecular mechanisms and interactions with other growth-related genes.Keywords: functional nutrition, fennel, muscle development, MYOD۱ gene, medicinal plants

کلیدواژه ها:

functional nutrition ، fennel ، muscle development ، MYOD۱ gene ، Medicinal plants