Abstract: [Objective] To determine the detection parameters for the nutritional composition of muscle from Erlang Shan cashmere goats in Bayannur City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, providing fundamental data for breed characteristic identification and quality control. [Methods] A total of 92 longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris samples were collected from Erlang Shan cashmere goats and sheep from both within and outside the region. The contents of four proximate nutrients-protein, fat, moisture, and ash-were measured. Statistical comparison and cluster analysis were performed using descriptive statistics and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis （OPLS-DA） methods. [Results] In Erlang Shan cashmere goat muscle, protein content was （21.09±3.56） g/100 g, fat content （3.69±2.35） g/100 g, moisture content （73.89±3.77） g/100 g, and ash content （1.45±0.59） g/100 g. Except for moisture, the content of all other nutrients was higher than those listed for the corresponding muscle parts in the China Food Composition Table 2019. Specifically, the protein content in Erlang Shan cashmere goat muscle was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that in Gobi Mongolian sheep, and the fat content was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that in local stall-fed small-tailed Han sheep. One-tail estimate indicated that over 16% of Erlang Shan cashmere goat meat did not meet the protein content requirement of ≥20% of Erlang Shan cashmere goat meat specified in the "Nei Meng Gu Brand" certification requirements of livestock products-Erlang Shan goats meat （T/NMSP MZB02.22—2023）. The OPLS-DA results showed a clear clustering and separation trend among samples from different origins, different parts, and breed lines, enabling effective discrimination of breed, origin, and muscle part. [Conclusion] This study successfully obtained the detection parameters for the proximate nutrients in Erlang Shan cashmere goat muscle. The muscle is characterized by high protein content, adequate moisture, and suitable fat content. The results provide a scientific reference for the quality assessment and control of Erlang Shan cashmere goat meat.

Key words: Erlang Shan cashmere goat, longissimus dorsi, biceps femoris, proximate nutrients