Hyperphagia and hepatic lipid storage in ducks: an exploratory experimental model

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Metabolic Physiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Hyperphagia, or overeating, is a complex behavior with implications for metabolic health.
• Understanding the induction of hyperphagia and its metabolic consequences is crucial for animal husbandry and research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the induction of spontaneous hyperphagic behavior in mule ducks using a feed restriction and concentrated meal protocol.
• To assess the resulting hepatic metabolic responses, including changes in liver weight, glycogen, and lipid content.
• To evaluate the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatic lipid metabolism.

Main Methods:

• Two protocols were tested, involving acclimation with alternating fasting and refeeding periods.
• Concentrated meals were administered, with a second protocol including an additional meal 12 hours after the previous one.
• Measurements included liver weight, hepatic glycogen and lipid content, and gene expression related to lipogenesis and oxidation.

Main Results:

• A five-day acclimation protocol successfully induced hyperphagia in mule ducks.
• Significant increases in liver weight and glycogen content were observed after meals.
• Hepatic lipid content increased significantly after the final meal in the second protocol, associated with altered gene expression.

Conclusions:

• Voluntary feeding alone, under the developed protocol, can induce measurable hepatic lipid accumulation in mule ducks.
• This protocol provides a valuable experimental model for studying hepatic lipid metabolism in ducks.
• The findings could inform alternative strategies for liver fattening in poultry.