Residual feed intake in late-laying hens: immune function, metabolic efficiency, and feed utilization dynamics

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Genetics
• Poultry Production

Background:

• Increasing global demand for animal products necessitates sustainable production methods.
• Residual Feed Intake (RFI) is a vital metric for improving feed efficiency in poultry.
• Understanding the biological mechanisms behind RFI variation is crucial for effective breeding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the regulatory pathways of RFI in Rhode Island Red laying hens.
• To compare phenotypic, organ, and serum biochemical profiles between low-RFI (LRFI) and high-RFI (HRFI) groups.
• To elucidate the biological basis of feed efficiency variation in laying hens.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of phenotypic parameters in 70-week-old Rhode Island Red laying hens.
• Examination of organ characteristics between LRFI and HRFI groups.
• Analysis of serum biochemical profiles to assess metabolic and immune status.

Main Results:

• Residual Feed Intake (RFI) is confirmed as a reliable indicator for feed efficiency selection.
• LRFI hens exhibited enhanced immune modulation compared to HRFI hens.
• LRFI hens demonstrated improved metabolic homeostasis while maintaining comparable egg production.

Conclusions:

• RFI is a valuable trait for selecting feed-efficient laying hens.
• LRFI is associated with improved physiological functions, including immune and metabolic regulation.
• Findings provide foundational knowledge for developing precision breeding strategies for enhanced feed efficiency in poultry.