Wanxi White goose and Yangzhou goose exhibited differences in the level of egg production, serum biochemical, hormones and related gene expression under the same natural photoperiod regulation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Egg production is seasonally regulated by the photoperiod in geese. To evaluate the effect of the natural photoperiod on egg production, 30 males and 120 females of 270-day-old Wanxi white geese and Yangzhou geese were selected and divided into two groups according to the breed. Both groups were raised under the natural photoperiod. Compared with the Yangzhou goose, the Wanxi white goose had a lower laying rate and higher expression levels of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor and anti-Müllerian hormone receptor 2 (AMHR2) in the ovary at the peak-laying period. Compared with the early-laying period, both breeds had lower serum uric acid and triacylglycerol levels, and higher serum cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels at the peak-laying period. The level of the serum luteinizing hormone (LH) at the pre-laying period was higher than that of the other egg-laying periods in the Yangzhou goose. In conclusion, the photoperiod affected egg production in geese, which was accompanied by changes in serum biochemical parameters and serum reproductive hormone levels. The concentration of the serum LH might be associated with the maturation of ovary and oviducts. In the Wanxi white goose, higher expression of AMHR2 might cause a lower sensitivity of follicles to the level of the FSH.