Differences in productive performance and intestinal transcriptomic profile in two modern fast-growing chicken...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Genomics
• Poultry Nutrition

Background:

• Fast-growing chicken hybrids are crucial for meat production.
• Understanding genetic differences in growth performance and health is vital for optimizing poultry farming.
• Ileum transcriptomic profiles offer insights into nutrient absorption and host-pathogen interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the growth performance of two fast-growing chicken hybrids (HA and HB).
• To characterize the ileum transcriptomic profile of these hybrids.
• To correlate growth patterns with gene expression in the intestinal mucosa.

Main Methods:

• 1,170 female chicks of two genotypes (HA and HB) were raised under standard commercial conditions.
• Growth performance (body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio) and footpad dermatitis incidence were evaluated.
• Ileum mucosa transcriptomic analysis was performed using microarray and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis.

Main Results:

• Hybrid HA showed superior body weight and feed conversion ratio early in life, while hybrid HB exhibited higher body weight and feed intake later.
• Hybrid HB had a significantly lower incidence of footpad dermatitis compared to HA.
• Transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct gene set enrichments: HA broilers showed enrichment in mitochondrial and cellular energy metabolism pathways, whereas HB broilers displayed enrichment in immune system activation and inflammation pathways.

Conclusions:

• The two chicken genotypes exhibit divergent growth trajectories and feeding behaviors.
• Distinct ileum gene expression profiles correlate with observed phenotypic differences, including growth and footpad health.
• These findings provide valuable insights for selective breeding and nutritional management strategies in poultry.