Embryonic Thermal Programming and Dietary Baicalein Supplementation Post-Hatch: Effects on Broiler Adipose Tissue...

Area of Science:

• Poultry Science
• Animal Nutrition
• Metabolic Regulation

Background:

• Optimizing broiler growth and fat metabolism is crucial for meat quality and production efficiency.
• Baicalein and embryonic heat conditioning (EHC) are potential modulators of these processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of dietary baicalein and EHC on broiler growth performance and adipose tissue metabolism.
• To analyze gene expression related to adipogenesis and lipolysis, and plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels.

Main Methods:

• Broiler eggs underwent embryonic heat conditioning (EHC) or served as controls.
• Hatched chicks were assigned to control or baicalein-supplemented diets, with or without prior EHC.
• Gene expression (C/EBPα, PPARγ, HSL) and plasma NEFA levels were analyzed on day 10 post-hatch.

Main Results:

• Baicalein supplementation increased C/EBPα mRNA in control chicks and PPARγ and HSL mRNA in both EHC and control groups.
• EHC combined with baicalein decreased C/EBPα mRNA.
• Plasma NEFA levels were elevated in baicalein-supplemented chicks.

Conclusions:

• Dietary baicalein modulates fat metabolism by altering key gene expression in broilers.
• Embryonic heat conditioning combined with baicalein shows potential for enhancing broiler growth and metabolic efficiency.
• These findings offer insights into nutritional and developmental strategies for improving poultry production.