Integrated multi-omics analysis reveals gamma-aminobutyric acid as a key regulator of social genetic effects on residual feed intake in pigs.

Residual feed intake (RFI) is an important indicator of feed efficiency influenced by social interactions. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying social genetic effects on RFI (RFI-SGE) remain unclear. This study employed multi-omics analysis to investigate RFI-SGE in pigs, analyzing liver, ileum, and cecum tissues from high and low RFI-SGE groups. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed significant differences in gene and protein expressions, with liver pathways enriched in oxidative phosphorylation and ileum pathways linked to amino acid metabolism. Metabolomic analysis identified gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as consistently upregulated in high RFI-SGE pigs. Integrated analysis revealed strong associations between GABA and its biosynthetic genes and upstream precursors (MAOB, DAO, ASS1, and OAT). Enhanced GABA signaling may improve social adaptability, metabolic regulation, and feed efficiency in pigs. The identification of GABA as a potential key regulator of RFI-SGE provides valuable insights for improving feed efficiency and animal welfare through targeted breeding strategies.