Gut Microbiome Promotes Melanin Deposition in Muchuan Black-bone Chickens

Variation in melanin deposition significantly impacts the economic value of Muchuan black-boned chickens, yet the role of the gut microbiome in modulating this process remains poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the gut microbiome in Muchuan black-bone chickens with distinct skin color brightness and elucidate its relationship with melanin deposition.