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Delayed access to feed affects broiler small intestinal morphology and goblet cell ontogeny
1Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
Poultry Science
|November 4, 2020
Summary
Delayed access to feed (DAF) in broiler chickens temporarily impacts small intestine development, altering villus height, gene expression, and goblet cell distribution. However, these effects were not significant by 168 hours post-hatch.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Gastroenterology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Broiler chickens frequently experience delayed access to feed (DAF) post-hatch, potentially hindering small intestine development.
- Early-life nutrition is critical for intestinal maturation and overall broiler performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of DAF on small intestinal morphology, goblet cell marker (Muc2) and absorptive cell marker (PepT1) mRNA abundance, and goblet cell distribution in young broilers.
- To determine the duration of these effects and the recovery of intestinal parameters.
Main Methods:
- Cobb 500 broiler chicks were subjected to no delay (ND), 24-h DAF (DAF24), or 36-h DAF (DAF36).
- Small intestinal segments (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) were analyzed for morphology (villus height/crypt depth), gene expression (Muc2, PepT1) via qPCR, and goblet cell distribution using in situ hybridization at multiple time points.
- Statistical analyses included t-tests and 2-way ANOVA with Tukey's HSD post-hoc test.
Main Results:
- DAF transiently altered the villus height/crypt depth ratio in the duodenum and ileum.
- PepT1 mRNA abundance was upregulated, while Muc2 mRNA was downregulated in DAF chicks.
- Goblet cell distribution shifted towards the upper villus, suggesting altered goblet cell differentiation, though crypt cell numbers remained unaffected.
Conclusions:
- DAF significantly impacts broiler small intestinal morphology, gene expression, and goblet cell distribution in the short term.
- While initial DAF exposure causes transient changes, intestinal parameters largely recover by 168 hours post-hatch.
- These findings highlight the adaptive capacity of the broiler gut but underscore the importance of early nutrition for optimal development.
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