Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2025
04:36
Author Spotlight: Advancing Intestinal Bacteria Cultivation for Poultry
Published on: May 10, 2024
727
Linking gastrointestinal tract structure, function, and gene expression signatures to growth variability in broilers:
Muhammad Zeeshan Akram1, Ester Arévalo Sureda2, Matthias Corion2
1Nutrition and Animal-Microbiota Ecosystems Laboratory, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, 3000-Heverlee, Belgium; Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium.
Poultry Science
|August 22, 2024
Summary
Investigating broiler chicken gut parameters reveals differences between low and high body weight (BW) chicks. Gene expression and intestinal structure explain BW variations, offering insights into poultry production challenges.
Area of Science:
- Poultry Science
- Animal Nutrition
- Genetics
Background:
- Body weight (BW) variation is a major issue in broiler production.
- Understanding gut-related factors in low (LBW) and high (HBW) BW chicks can explain BW heterogeneity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gut-related parameters and gene expression differences between LBW and HBW broiler chicks.
- To identify key genes predictive of BW phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- Compared performance, visceral organ characteristics, intestinal permeability, and histomorphology in LBW and HBW chicks.
- Analyzed ileal gene expression (79 genes) using high-throughput qPCR.
- Applied partial least square regression (PLSR) for gene-phenotype correlation.
Main Results:
- HBW chicks had higher feed intake and heavier BW.
- HBW chicks exhibited shorter intestines but better villus height and villi height/crypt depth ratios.
- LBW chicks showed increased intestinal permeability and differential gene expression related to immune response and metabolism.
- PLSR models identified key genes predicting BW phenotypes at different time points.
Conclusions:
- Broiler growth rates are associated with intestinal size, structure, and function.
- Gut gene expression profiles offer insights into mechanisms regulating BW variation.
- Findings can inform strategies to mitigate BW heterogeneity in poultry production.
