Mitochondrial dysfunction in follicles is associated with broodiness in Zhedong white goose

Zhedong white goose (Anser cygnoides) is one of the most important domesticated avian species and of high economic value in China. It has strong broody behavior, which leads to shortened egg-laying cycle, thus negatively impacting goose farming. In our previous studies, a link was established between reactive oxygen species (ROS) originated from mitochondrial activity and broodiness in geese. However, the role of mitochondria in the regulation of broodiness in geese remained unexplored. Herein, the transition from large white follicles to small yellow follicles was restrained in geese at the broody stage. Moreover, the frequency of abnormal mitochondria was increased in granulosa cells of broody follicles. Furthermore, mitochondrial dysfunction in granulosa cells of geese follicles is possibly regulated by mitochondria-related proteins including autophagy- and apoptosis-related proteins. Our results suggest that increased dysfunctional mitochondria in granulosa cells in the follicles of Zhedong white geese are involved in the regulation of broodiness. The present study contributes to expand the knowledge on goose broodiness and provides an important reference for the control of broodiness in avian species.