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Circulating hormonal and gene expression profile in heat-stressed broilers divergently selected for high or low water
Nusrat Jahan1, Lulu Liu1, Sara Orlowski1
1Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA.
High water efficiency (HWE) broiler lines show lower stress hormone levels, even under heat stress (HS). Chronic HS modulates stress and energy pathways, suggesting adaptive mechanisms for poultry production sustainability.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Physiology
- Environmental Stress
Background:
- Poultry production faces sustainability challenges due to climate change and water scarcity.
- Broilers are susceptible to heat stress (HS), impacting growth and performance.
- Understanding water-use efficiency (WUE) mechanisms under chronic HS is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chronic heat stress on hormone levels and gene expression in broiler lines with divergent water efficiency.
- To identify physiological and molecular adaptations related to water use under heat stress.
Main Methods:
- Two broiler lines (high water efficiency - HWE, low water efficiency - LWE) were subjected to thermoneutral or chronic heat stress conditions from day 29 to 49.
- Plasma hormone levels were analyzed using ELISA.
- Gene expression was quantified using qPCR for key metabolic, stress, and water-balance related genes.
Main Results:
- HWE broilers exhibited lower plasma corticosterone (CORT) and cortisol levels compared to LWE broilers, indicating reduced stress.
- Chronic heat stress decreased stress hormone levels, suggesting adaptation.
- Heat stress downregulated genes involved in adiponectin, glucagon, visfatin, orexin signaling, arginine vasopressin, and renin-angiotensin systems.
Conclusions:
- Divergent water efficiency in broilers is associated with differential stress hormone profiles.
- Chronic heat stress induces adaptive physiological and molecular changes in stress, energy, and water-balance pathways.
- These findings offer insights into enhancing poultry resilience to environmental challenges.
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