Correlation between Histological Traits and Meat Quality in Taihu Geese

[ ObJective] To investigate the histological traits of Taihu geese and analyze the correlation between histological trait and meat quality. [ Method] The common meat qualities and histological traits of Taihu geese at the age of 70 d were observed, and the correlation analysis was performed with SPSS 16.0 software. [ Result] The goose was either female or male. The muscle fiber density and muscle fiber diameter of breast muscle were significantly higher than those of leg muscle （ P 〈 0.01 ）. The muscle fiber density had negative correlation with muscle fiber diameter, muscle fiber gap and muscle bundle gap, and the correlation coefficients were -0.808, -0.540 and -0.620, respectively. The muscle fiber diameter had positive correlation with the muscle bundle gap and their correlation coefficient was 0.546. The muscle fiber density had a significant positive correlation with pH value and water holding capacity （P 〈 0.05）. The muscle fiber diameter and muscle fiber gap had a significant negative correlation with pH value （P 〈 0.05）. [ Conclusion] This study provides theoretical basis for goose breeding and improving of meat quality.