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Multitissue transcriptomics demonstrates the systemic physiology of methionine deficiency in broiler chickens
M Klünemann1, L F Romero2, M Acman2
1Animal Nutrition Research, Evonik Operations GmbH, Hanau Germany.
Animal : an International Journal of Animal Bioscience
|April 19, 2024
Summary
Methionine deficiency impairs broiler growth through tissue-specific molecular mechanisms, with oxidative stress playing a key role. Young birds are more sensitive, and DL-methionine is a preferred source during the starter phase.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Molecular Biology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Methionine (Met) supplementation is crucial for broiler nutrition, but its precise role in systemic physiology and the effects of different Met sources require further elucidation.
- Understanding the mode of action of Met deficiency and various Met sources is essential for optimizing broiler performance and health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the mode of action of methionine deficiency and supplementation using different sources (DL-Met, L-Met, MHA-FA) in broiler chickens.
- To predict phenotypic effects of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in jejunum, liver, and breast tissues using biological pathway activation modeling.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptomic analysis of jejunum, liver, and breast tissues from broilers at different ages (10, 21, 34/35 days).
- Combined analysis of three experiments to assess gene expression and pathway activation.
- Correlation analysis between specific gene expression and performance metrics.
Main Results:
- Methionine deficiency reduced body weight, feed intake, and breast yield, while increasing feed conversion ratio.
- Methionine deficiency impacted gene expression most significantly in the liver and breast, affecting pathways related to protein turnover, gut integrity, immunity, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and neuronal function.
- Younger birds showed greater sensitivity to methionine deficiency, and DL-Met was identified as a preferential source over L-Met and MHA-FA in the starter phase.
Conclusions:
- Impaired broiler growth due to methionine deficiency stems from tissue-specific molecular mechanisms, with oxidative stress being a critical systemic factor.
- Age-dependent sensitivity to methionine deficiency highlights the importance of tailored nutritional strategies.
- DL-methionine demonstrated superior efficacy compared to L-Met and MHA-FA in young broilers, suggesting source-specific benefits.
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