Female Chickens Research Articles

Effects of partial replacement of soybean meal with hemp seed (Cannabis sativa L.) cake on the growth and meat quality in female three-yellow chickens

Effects of partial replacement of soybean meal with hemp seed (Cannabis sativa L.) cake on the growth and meat quality in female three-yellow chickens

COMPARISON OF NONLINEAR MODELS FOR DESCRIBING THE GROWTH OF LOCAL CHICKENS RAISED IN TOGO

Growth is a trait of economic importance in chicken genetic improvement that is often described by mathematical models having biologically significant parameters. The local chicken,commonly raised in rural areas of Togo, is generally described as a slow-growing chicken, but little is known about his growth parameters. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the nonlinear model that best describes the growth curve of local chickens. The Gompertz, Logistic and Richards growth models were used to fit growth weights recorded from 126 males and 150 female chickens using GCFIT program of SIMFIT package (version 8.1.4).Coefficient of determination (R2), mean square error (MSE), Akaikes information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) were used as criteria for models comparison. By estimating the highest value of R² and the lowest values of MSE, AIC and BIC, Gompertz model appeared to be the best-fitting model for local chickensgrowth. The estimated asymptotic weight was 1992 g for males and 1367 g for females. Thus, male and female chickens weighed 732.86g and 502.98g and aged 10.57 weeks and 9.77 weeks respectively at inflection point. Maturation rates of the chicks were similar (0.139 week-1 for males and 0.141 week-1for females). The growth parameters of this model may therefore be useful in defining selection criteria for local chickens in Togo.

Сравнително проучване на морфологичните качества и люпимостта на яйцата от чисти линии и кръстоски от общоползвателно и яйценосно направление

During the recent decades, the scientific community turned its attention towards the dual purpose lines and crosses that might offer a suitable solution for two problems in poultry breeding - the use of male chickens for meat and the use of female chickens for rearing in alternative types of systems for egg production. Hence, a study with four groups of birds: a dual purpose cross „Salmon“, a dual purpose purebred line „BB“, a laying line „L“ and a laying hybrid line „ISA-Brown“ was conducted. The aim was to compare the morphological traits, as well as the fertility and the hatchability of the eggs, obtained from „ISA-Brown“, compared to the dual purpose „Salmon“ reared at IAS-Kostinbrod, and the local dual purpose and laying lines involved in its creation. As a result of the conducted research, we can conclude that the selection for high performance, larger eggs and the presence of heterosis in hybrids has to some extent a positive influence on most of the morphological traits determining the quality of the eggs produced. In addition, negative consequences for their hatchability, embryo survival and some morphological parameters such as increased width of the egg and increased diameter of the yolk were also observed. On the other hand, in the stock hybrids, compared to the purebred lines and the dual purpose crosses, this can also be considered as a sign of deterioration of the nutritional quality of the eggs.

Major regulatory factors for reproductive performances of female chickens

The reproductive performance of female chickens is critical for determining the efficiency of production and productivity and thus profitability. Studies have shown that the reproductive performance of female chickens is mainly regulated by the feed, hormones, genes, and light conditions. Herein, we review the major factors regulating female chicken reproductive performance and assess the reproductive organs and their functions. In the current review, we highlight how the interconnections of hormones, candidate genes, and photo-stimulation regulate female chicken reproductive hormones and thus regulate the reproductive organ performance. In this regard, the roles of main hormones [gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) and genes (GnRH-I)] in regulating sexual maturation and ovarian development and maintenance by influencing the survival and function of follicular granulosa cells were also reviewed. In addition, the current review also highlights how feeding female chickens with diets and artificial light-emitting diodes (LEDs) support the effective functioning of their reproductive capacity through the stimulation of sexual maturity at an appropriate age and regeneration of aged reproductive organs.

On-farm multi-location testing of synthetic dual-purpose chicken breed (DZ-white) at Lowland area of Kaffa Zone of Ethiopia

A study evaluated synthetic dual purpose DZ-white’s adaptability and production performance in lowland agro-ecology. A total of 900 day-old chicks were distributed to fifteen (15) participant farmers (sixty chicks per farmer). Vaccines for Newcastle and Gumboro were administered as per veterinarian recommendations. Initially, chicks were supplemented with commercial feed and gradually shifted to locally available feed resources. Data on body weight, age at first egg, egg production, egg weight and farmers’ perception were recorded. On average, the adult male and female chicken body weight recorded at 20 weeks of age were 331.2 grams and 273.3 grams per chicken, respectively. Moreover, in the present study, the adult male and female chicken body weight recorded at 20 weeks of age were 1541.3 grams and 476.9 grams per chicken, respectively. The result also showed that an average egg weight at initial laying stage 5%, 50% and peak production stage were 44.09 grams, 48.33 grams and 55.45 grams, respectively. In the current study, chickens produced 296 eggs annually. Based on the adaptability, production performance and social acceptance, participant farmers preferred synthetic dual purpose DZ- white chicken breed to commonly used local and exotic breeds. As a result of their moderate growth and production performance, scavenging ability and social acceptance, demonstration and scaling up of the breed in the rural smallholder production system are highly recommended.

Effects of cardamonin on the growth performance, intestinal barrier function and intestinal microbiota of Danzhou chickens under heat stress

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cardamonin (CDN) on the growth performance, intestinal mucosal barrier function and intestinal microbiota of Danzhou chickens under heat stress. A total of 200 one-day-old female Danzhou chickens were randomly divided into 5 groups. The daytime temperature of heat stress (HS) was set at 36 ± 2°C, and the nighttime temperature was kept the same as in the control (CON) group at 25 ± 2°C. The formal experiment lasted for 21 d. The CON and HS groups were fed a basal diet, whereas the L-CDN, M-CDN, and H-CDN groups received a basal diet supplemented with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg CDN, respectively. Compared with the HS group, the CDN group presented a significantly greater average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.001) but a significantly lower feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) (P = 0.007). CDN supplementation also increased the villus height (VH) and the ratio of the villus height to crypt depth (V/C) (P < 0.001) and reduced intestinal permeability by increasing expression of the ZO-1 (P < 0.001), Occludin (P < 0.001), and Claudin-1 (P = 0.034) proteins and decreasing the content of D-lactic acid (D-LA) and the activity of diamine oxidase (DAO) in serum (P < 0.001). Additionally, CDN reduced the levels of the intestinal mucosal inflammatory factors (IL-1β (P = 0.031), IL-6 (P = 0.003), and TNF-α (P = 0.014)) while upregulating IL-10 (P < 0.001). Furthermore, it increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (P = 0.004) and catalase (CAT) activity (P < 0.001) and reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P = 0.017), effectively reducing intestinal oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions. Expression of the Nrf2 pathway-related proteins Nrf2 (P = 0.012), HO-1 (P = 0.008), and NQO1 (P = 0.003) was also increased by CDN. Moreover, feeding CDN increased the proportion of beneficial bacteria such as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes but decreased the proportion of harmful bacteria such as Proteobacteria, thus protecting the intestinal barrier. In summary, 200 mg/kg CDN in the diet improved growth performance, enhanced intestinal barrier function and improved intestinal flora disorders in heat stress-induced Danzhou chickens, which may be related to the Nrf2/NQO1 signaling pathway.

Impact of different range areas on behavior, welfare, and performance of Naked Neck chickens.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different environmental enrichment tools on behavior, welfare, productive performance, and egg quality traits of Naked Neck chickens. A total of 1080 Naked Neck female chickens (30 weeks old) were used in the present study. A completely randomized experimental design, with 3 treatments having 4 replicates of 90 birds each, was applied. Treatments consisted of 3 different range areas A (121.9 m2), B (152.4 m2), and C (190.5 m2). Behavior (walking, feeding/foraging, sitting, aggressiveness wing flapping, perching, dust bathing, and range use), welfare (foot pad dermatitis, lameness, gait score, and feather pecking), productive performance (egg weight, egg production %, egg mass, and feed intake), egg quality traits (morphometry, egg weight, shell, albumen, and yolk characteristics) were evaluated. There was no influence (P > 0.05) of different range area on bird's behavior, and egg quality traits except walking and rang usage. The range area C promoted productive performance including egg weight, egg production %, egg mass and feed intake, but it did not influence welfare traits. It might be concluded that Naked Neck chicken when reared in free range with different range enrichments did not reveal any difference regarding behavioral parameters, egg morphometry, and egg quality traits. The range area within minimum length and effectively used environmental enrichments (perching and dust bathing area) should be used for backyard poultry to obtain ideal performance.

The Combined Use of Cinnamaldehyde and Vitamin C Is Beneficial for Better Carcass Character and Intestinal Health of Broilers.

The use of cinnamaldehyde and Vitamin C can improve immunity and intestinal health. A two-way factorial design was employed to investigate the main and interactive effects of cinnamaldehyde and vitamin C on the growth, carcass, and intestinal health of broiler chickens. A total of 288 one-day-old female Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly distributed among four treatment groups, consisting of six replicate cages with 12 birds each. Four treatments were basal diet or control (CON), supplemental cinnamaldehyde (CA) 300 g/ton (g/t), vitamin C (VC) 300 g/t, and cinnamaldehyde 300 g/t, and vitamin C 300 g/t (CA + VC), respectively. The results showed that supplemental CA did not affect the growth performance or slaughter performance of broilers at 21 days (d), 42 days (d), and 1-42 days (d); however, it could improve intestinal barrier function at 42 d of age and reduce the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in the intestine at 21 d and 42 d of age. Supplemental VC showed a trend towards increasing body weight gain (BWG) at 21 d (p = 0.094), increased breast muscle rate (at 21-d 5.33%, p < 0.05 and at 42-d 7.09%, p = 0.097), and decreased the abdominal fat (23.43%, p < 0.05) and drip loss (20.68%, p < 0.05) at 42-d. Moreover, VC improves intestinal morphology and intestinal barrier function and maintains a balanced immune response. The blend of CA and VC significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD-88) in the intestine at 21 d of age, the mRNA expression of catalase (CAT), Occludin, Claudin-1, Mucin-2, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) in the intestine at 42 d of age (p < 0.01), and downregulated the mRNA expression of interleukin 10 (IL-10), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the intestine at 21-d and 42-d of age, and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) mRNA in intestine at 42 d of age (p < 0.01). This study suggested that the combination of CA and VC had the potential to regulate intestinal health and result in better carcass character of broilers.

Inclusion of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) Meal on the Performance of Vanaraja Birds

The present study was carried out with the objective of studying the reproductive performance, blood constituents and economics of rearing Vanaraja birds as influenced by the dietary inclusion of linseed meal. The study was conducted at the poultry unit of the department. A total of 120 female Vanaraja chicks were reared for a period of nine months and were randomly divided into four treatment groups (T1, T2, T3, and T4) of 30 birds, each having five replications per treatment following a randomized block design. They were subjected to four dietary levels of linseed meal, containing 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12%, respectively. The birds were reared under a deep litter system up to 8 weeks of age and thereafter in cages following standard management practices. Initial body weight was recorded at 1 day old, and thereafter it was recorded fortnightly. Feed intake and egg production were recorded daily. The control group had higher egg production, clutch size, and egg weight. Higher yolk weight, albumen weight, and yolk cholesterol were recorded in T3, while group T4 had the maximum HU. The lowest cholesterol and triglycerides were recorded in T4, while the highest HDL and lowest LDL were observed in the control group. The cost of production was highest in T4 and lowest in T2, while higher net profit per bird and net profit per gain were recorded in T3 as compared to the control group.

The female red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus gallus) reproductive investment stimulated by male attractiveness

Abstract. Lelono A, Riedstra B, Groothuis T. 2024. The female red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus gallus) reproductive investment stimulated by male attractiveness. Biodiversitas 25: 2931-2936. To maximize their capacity for reproduction, mothers are expected to modify their investment in offspring based on the quality of their mates. A recent study showed that females in female-care only species do so by investing more in egg mass when mated with attractive males rather than in other reproductive traits. In our study, we investigated how red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus gallus) mothers invest in clutch production based on the size of the male's comb, a trait signaling attractiveness. We randomly paired 14 females with 14 males of either large or small combs and monitored their egg laying, clutch completion, and brood rearing. Following the initial clutch, we exchanged male partners and permitted females to establish up second generation. We found that females who were partnered with males who had bigger combs laid down their eggs earlier after pairing compared to those paired with males with smaller combs. However, there were no variations in egg mass or clutch size that we could find. Furthermore, the size of the male's comb influenced the growth and body condition of female chicks, with those sired by males with larger combs being heavier and in better condition at twenty-four weeks old. These data support the premise of the positive Differential Allocation (DA) hypothesis, where maternal investment varies with mate quality, rather than the negative DA, where females more investment in offspring from lower quality mates.

Disparate Effects of Stressors on Met-Enkephalin System Parameters and on Plasma Concentrations of Corticosterone in Young Female Chickens.

The effects of stressors were examined on Met-enkephalin-related parameters and plasma concentrations of corticosterone in 14-week-old female chickens. Water deprivation for 24 h was accompanied by a tendency for increased plasma concentration of Met-enkephalin while plasma concentrations of corticosterone were elevated in water-deprived birds. Concentrations of Met-enkephalin were reduced in the anterior pituitary gland and adrenal gland in water-deprived pullets while proenkephalin (PENK) expression was increased in both tissues. There were changes in the plasma concentrations of Met-enkephalin and corticosterone in pullets subjected to either feed withholding or crowding. Concentrations of Met-enkephalin were increased in the anterior pituitary gland but decreased in adrenal glands in pullets subjected to crowding stress. The increase in the plasma concentrations of Met-enkephalin was ablated when the chickens were pretreated with naltrexone. However, naltrexone did not influence either basal or crowding on plasma concentrations of corticosterone. In vitro release of Met-enkephalin from the anterior pituitary or adrenal tissues was depressed in the presence of naltrexone. It was concluded that Met-enkephalin was part of the neuroendocrine response to stress in female chickens. It was concluded that stress influenced the release of both Met-enkephalin and corticosterone, but there was not complete parallelism.

Efficacy of liver free and Chitosan against Eimeria tenella in chickens

Eimeria spp. are the pathogen that causes coccidiosis, a significant disease that affects intensively reared livestock, especially poultry. Anticoccidial feed additives, chemicals, and ionophores have routinely been employed to reduce Eimeria infections in broiler production. Therefore, the shift to antibiotic-free and organic farming necessitates novel coccidiosis preventive strategies. The present study evaluated the effects of potential feed additives, liver free and chitosan, against Eimeria tenella infection in White Leghorn broiler female chickens. One hundred sixty-five 1-day-old White Leghorn broiler female chicks were divided into 11 groups (15 female chicks per group), including the positive control group (G1), the negative control group (G2), a chitosan-treated group (G3), a chitosan-treated-infected group (G4), the liver free-treated group (G5), the liver free-treated-infected group (G6), the liver free-and-chitosan-treated group (G7), the liver free-and-chitosan-infected group (G8), the therapeutic liver free-and-chitosan-treated-infected group (G9), the sulfaquinoxaline-treated group (G10), and the sulfaquinoxaline-treated-infected group (G11). Chitosan was fed to the chicks in G3 and G4 as a preventative measure at a dose of 250 mg/kg. The G5 and G6 groups received 1.5 mg/kg of Liverfree. The G7 and G8 groups received chitosan and Liverfree. The G10 and G11 groups were administered 2 g/L of sulfaquinoxaline. From the moment the chicks arrived at Foshan University (one-day-old chicks) until the completion of the experiment, all medications were given to them as a preventative measure. G8 did; however, receive chitosan and liver free as therapeutic supplements at 7 dpi. The current study showed that the combination of liver free and chitosan can achieve better prophylactic and therapeutic effects than either alone. In E. tenella challenged chickens, G8 and G9 chickens showed reduced oocyst shedding and lesion score, improved growth performance (body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and mortality rate), and cecal histology. The current study demonstrates that combining liver free and chitosan has superior preventive and therapeutic benefits than either alone, and they could also be used as alternative anticoccidial agents.

Chick sexing based on the blood analysis using Raman spectroscopy

Efforts are underway to develop technology for automatically determining the sex of chick embryos, aimed at establishing a stable and efficient poultry farming system while also addressing animal welfare concerns. This study investigated the possibility of chick sexing through blood analysis using Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectra were obtained from whole blood and its constituents, such as red blood cells (RBCs) and blood plasma, collected from chicks aged 1–2 days, using a 785-nm excitation wavelength. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed statistically significant sex-dependent spectral variations in whole blood and RBCs, whereas blood plasma showed less clear dependency. These spectral differences between male and female chicks were attributed to differences in the proportion of spectral components from oxygenated (oxy-) and deoxygenated (deoxy-) RBCs, with males exhibiting a slightly stronger contribution of oxy-RBCs compared to females. This reflects the higher oxygen affinity of hemoglobin (Hb) in males compared to females. A model for discriminating chick sex was built using the ratios of certain Raman band characteristics of oxy-RBCs and deoxy-RBCs, achieving a sensitivity of 100%. This spectroscopic method holds promise for developing technology to discriminate the sex of early chicken embryos in ovo by detecting differences in oxygen saturation of RBCs based on sex.

Analyzing the impact of a combination of zinc oxide and phytase on the performance and alkaline phosphate activity in local chickens

Abstract This study aimed to determine the effect of adding a combination of zinc oxide (ZnO) and phytase to the diet of local chickens (IPB D1) on their performance and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. A total of 120 male and female chickens were divided into four dietary groups, with 24 cages of five birds each. Each group was fed using: a pure basal diet; a basal diet with 80 ppm ZnO/kg feed; a basal diet with 80 ppm ZnO/kg feed and 500 FTU phytase/kg feed; a basal diet with 80 ppm of commercial ZnO/kg feed and 500 FTU/kg feed of commercial phytase. The chickens were grouped by sex and body weight, with three classes of weight uniformity. The results of this research showed that there was a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in performance and ALP activity between male and female chickens. The group, that received IPB D1 diets with 80 ppm ZnO/kg and 500 FTU phytase/kg, had higher body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the other groups. However, feed consumption and ALP activity were not significantly different. Overall, adding zinc oxide and phytase to the diets of local chickens was found to improve their performance and ALP activity.

Nutritional status and growth performance of Fijian non-descript local chickens and their crosses with broilers under different production systems

The study compared nutrient intake and growth performance of local chickens to that of local x broiler crossbreds under scavenging and indoor conventional systems. A total of 48 male and 48 female chickens for each of the two chicken types were allocated to four outdoor free-range pens. The chickens were allowed to scavenge whilst being supplemented with sorghum plus kitchen waste and broiler growers from week 5 to week 13 of age. The same design was repeated using the indoor conventional system. Local chickens and their crosses with broilers had higher growth rates under the scavenging system than the indoor production system (P < 0.05). Local chickens and their crosses with broilers had the same growth rates when fed the same diet (P > 0.05). Crop and gizzard contents from local chickens had the same crude protein as their crosses with broilers under both systems (P > 0.05). The crude protein values of crop and gizzard contents ranged from 25.4 to 30.4%. Crop and gizzard contents from scavenging chickens had energy content ranging from 16.2 to 17.1 MJ/Kg which was lower (P < 0.05) than that from chickens under the indoor conventional system (20.3 to 25.8 kJ/Kg). Iron content ranged from 655.7 to 1619.4 mg/Kg in scavenging chickens and 156.1 to 621.4 mg/Kg in enclosed chickens. Chickens of the same type had higher iron content in their crop and gizzard contents under the scavenging system than the conventional system (P < 0.05). Crossbreds between local chickens and broilers matches the scavenging abilities of the local chickens but have lower growth rates under the scavenging system.

Сравнително проучване на растежни показатели на пилета от хибрид Супер Харко при заместване на соев с високобелтъчен слънчогледов шрот

In 6 repetitions of 2 consecutive years, an experiment with a total of 84 female chickens of the Super Harko hybrid was conducted. The birds were divided into 2 groups: control, fed biphasically (starter and grower) with compound feed prepared in a industrial plant and containing soybean meal as main protein source, and experimental, fed biphasically with feed prepared on the farm, containing as main protein component sunflower meal with 46 % protein in dry matter. The birds were raised under exactly the same conditions in aviaries and play yards. The following results were obtained: Average live weight at the end of the starter period (1-4 weeks): control - 0.562 ±0.09 kg, experimental - 0.585 ± 0.10 kg; at the end of the growing period (5-18 weeksbeginning of laying): control- 3.124±0.29kg, experimental- 3.162±0.32 kg.Average consumption of feed for 1 bird per period: starter: control - 0.868±0.105kg, experimental - 0,869±0,098kg; at the end of grower (5-18 weeks - beginning of laying): control - 8.463±0.240kg, experimental - 8.736±0.194kg. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups, both in terms of growth by week and period, and in terms of feed consumption. A savings of funds (in BGN) was reported for the experimental group of 10% in both sub-periods compared to the control (purchased feed).

Correlation Between Body Weight and Carcass Weight in the Selection of Village Chicken Three-Generation

This study aims to estimate the correlation between body weight and carcass weight in selected native chickens in the third generation (G3). The material used in this study was 200 DOC managed with a free-range system. The samples used to obtain carcass weight were determined by purposive sampling, consisting of 38 male chickens and 26 female chickens. The data obtained were analyzed using correlation and regression analysis. The observed variables were body weight (BW) at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks of age (independent variable) and carcass weight (CW) at 10 weeks of age (dependent variable). The results showed that the average body weight (BW) of male and female chickens up to 6 weeks of age showed no significant difference (P&gt;0.05). After eight weeks of age, the male free-range body weights were significantly different (P&lt;0.05) higher than female chickens, while at the period of 10 weeks, the body weights of male chickens were significantly different (P&lt;0.01) and showed higher than female chickens. Male chickens' average free-range carcass weight was significantly higher (P&lt;0.01) than the carcass weight (CW) of female chickens. The correlation between body weight at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks and carcass weight showed a close correlation, ranging from 0.71 to 0.97. The highest correlation coefficient values were found in male and female native chickens at ten weeks of age, with 0.94 and 0.97. It can be concluded that BW at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks of age in male and female chickens strongly correlated with carcass weight (CW). Hence, body weight (BW) could be used as a selection criterion to increase chickens' carcass weight (CW) under study.

Relationships between pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, blood parameters and oxidative stress of white stork Ciconia ciconia chicks in Poland

The white stork Ciconia ciconia is a bird species located at the top of the trophic pyramid in grassland and wetland ecosystems. This charismatic species is susceptible to pesticides and their environmental residues. In 2016, we collected blood samples from 114 white stork chicks across Western and Southern Poland. Chicks were sexed by molecular analysis and aged by development pattern. We studied the relationship between the concentration of pesticides (beta-HCH, heptachlor, aldrin, endrin, 4.4′-DDD, 4.4′-DDE and 4.4′-DDT) and of PCB in the chicks’ blood with blood morphology and biochemistry parameters in the blood. The mean (± SD) values of concentrations of above detection level pesticides were: for (1) beta-HCH 4.139 ± 19.205; (2) 4.4′-DDE 9.254 ± 91.491 and additionally (3) PCB 16.135 ± 44.777 ppb. We found negative relationships between beta-HCH and oxidative stress enzyme activity in the blood, between beta-HCH and leukocyte concentration and between 4.4′-DDE and catalase activity. We also found a positive relationship between the concentration of pesticides in blood and the age of chicks. Interestingly, we found a higher concentration of PCB in the blood of male stork chicks than in female stork chicks. We provide more evidence that the presence of pesticides in the environment can be a strong stress factor, shaping the health status of birds.

ALKBH5 regulates chicken adipogenesis by mediating LCAT mRNA stability depending on m6A modification

BackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation in various biological processes, our research is the first to elucidate its specific impact on LCAT mRNA stability and adipogenesis in poultry.ResultsThe 6 100-day-old female chickens were categorized into high (n = 3) and low-fat chickens (n = 3) based on their abdominal fat ratios, and their abdominal fat tissues were processed for MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq. An integrated analysis of MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq omics data revealed 16 differentially expressed genes associated with to differential m6A modifications. Among them, ELOVL fatty acid elongase 2 (ELOVL2), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4), fatty acid binding protein 9 (PMP2), fatty acid binding protein 1 (FABP1), lysosomal associated membrane protein 3 (LAMP3), lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and solute carrier family 2 member 1 (SLC2A1) have ever been reported to be associated with adipogenesis. Interestingly, LCAT was down-regulated and expressed along with decreased levels of mRNA methylation methylation in the low-fat group. Mechanistically, the highly expressed ALKBH5 gene regulates LCAT RNA demethylation and affects LCAT mRNA stability. In addition, LCAT inhibits preadipocyte proliferation and promotes preadipocyte differentiation, and plays a key role in adipogenesis.ConclusionsIn conclusion, ALKBH5 mediates RNA stability of LCAT through demethylation and affects chicken adipogenesis. This study provides a theoretical basis for further understanding of RNA methylation regulation in chicken adipogenesis.

Domestic chickens solving mirror-mediated spatial location tasks uncovering their cognitive abilities

The increasing demand on adapting modern livestock farming to higher animal welfare standards requires a thorough understanding of a species’ cognitive abilities to determine their adaptability. With the chicken being the world’s most numerous birds in animal production, it is mandatory to identify its cognitive abilities and limitations in order to meet its needs. We investigated if chickens are able to use and understand the reflective properties of a mirror that is the correlation of reflections of food rewards and their real location. In total, 18 female chickens of two different breeds were tested in a mirror-mediated spatial location task. Eleven out of eighteen hens solved the task successfully and thus, possibly exploited the correlation between the reflection in the mirror and the real food reward. We found differences on a breed and on the individual level, with different amounts of time needed learning the association of reward and mirror image. The results imply sophisticated cognitive abilities in chickens, assuming they may be able to understand how mirror images represent objects in the real environment, and to make use of it during foraging. The chicken’s cognitive ability might lead to a new understanding and provision of animal welfare-compliant production environments.