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Prolonged fasting induces significant germ cell loss in chickens after hatching
Jiawen Chen1, Liping Pu1, Yajing Niu1
1State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
Poultry Science
|June 25, 2023
Summary
Prolonged fasting in young chicks significantly increases germ cell loss, impacting reproductive potential. This study reveals fasting negatively affects ovarian development and function in female chicks.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Germ cell loss is critical during development and impacts reproductive capacity.
- Factors like nest breakdown and nutrition influence germ cell numbers.
- Understanding stressors like fasting is vital for poultry breeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of fasting duration on germ cell numbers in chicks.
- To explore the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying fasting-induced germ cell loss.
Main Methods:
- Chicks were subjected to different fasting durations (24 h vs. 72 h).
- RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyzed gene expression.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examined ovarian ultrastructure.
- Blood biochemical indices assessed physiological functions.
Main Results:
- 72-hour fasting caused significantly greater germ cell loss than 24-hour fasting.
- Fasting down-regulated ribosome pathway genes and inhibited endoplasmic reticulum protein processing.
- Female chicks subjected to 72-hour fasting showed reduced ovarian ribosomes.
- Fasting impaired liver function, glucose, lipid, and ion metabolism.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged fasting negatively impacts the germ cell pool in early-life chicks.
- Fasting disrupts essential cellular processes like protein synthesis in the ovary.
- Careful management of fasting duration is crucial for maintaining reproductive health in poultry breeding.
