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Ad Libitum Feeding in Broiler Breeder Hens Alters the Transcriptome of Granulosa Cells of Pre-Hierarchal Follicles.

ABSTRACT: Intense selective breeding of chickens has resulted in suboptimal egg production in broiler breeder hens. This reproductive phenotype is exacerbated by ad libitum feeding, which leads to excessive and disorganized follicular growth. One strategy used to improve broiler breeder hens' reproductive efficiency is restricted feeding. In this study, we sought to identify transcriptional changes, which translate the level of dietary intake into increased follicle selection. Broiler breeder hens (n = 16 per group) were raised according to commercial guidelines until 28 weeks of age and then randomly assigned to an ad libitum diet (FF) or continued on a restricted diet (RF) for 6 weeks. Following dietary treatment, FF hens (n = 2) with excessive follicle selection and RF hens (n = 3) with normal follicle selection were selected for RNA-sequencing. Transcriptomes of granulosa cells from 6-8-mm follicles were sequenced to identify transcriptional differences in the follicle population from which selection was made for the preovulatory stage. Differential expression analysis identified several genes known to play a role in follicle development (CYP11A1, STAR, INHA, and INHBB) that are upregulated in FF hens. These changes in gene expression suggest earlier granulosa cell differentiation and steroidogenic competency in the granulosa layer from FF hens.

SUBMITTER: Francoeur L

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8472788 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:Ad libitumfeeding in broiler breeder (BB) hens causes reduced egg production, lower fertility, and improper eggshell deposition. Restricted feeding (RF) is the only effective intervention available to normalize ovarian function and improve reproductive efficiency. This study aimed to assess the transcriptional changes in ovarian cortex of BB hens with free access to feed compared to those on a RF diet. RNA was isolated from the ovarian cortex of Cobb 500 pullets raised to 10 and 16 weeks of age on either a full-feeding (FF) or RF diet. Microarray analysis identified 386 differentially expressed genes between the two feeding groups at 16 weeks of age. Gene ontology enrichment identified overrepresentation of Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathways, Cell adhesion molecules, Steroid hormone biosynthesis, and various KEGG pathways. From these groups, 46 genes were selected for follow-up validation by quantitative PCR. The findings show that 33 of the 46 genes had significantly different abundance by age and/or feeding level. Most of these genes were repressed in RF hens and belonged to the steroid biosynthesis and neuropeptide signaling groups. The VIPR2 receptor was higher in the FF group leading us to hypothesize that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is an important regulator of small cortical follicles. Culture of hen cortical follicles with VIP increased Star, an indication of increased steroidogenic activity, although did not elevate Cyp11a1. These results offer insights and suggest the possible mechanisms and pathways responsible for the increases in cortical follicle growth associated with excess feed intake in BB hens.Lay summaryGiving breeder hens unrestricted access to feed can lead to problems with their ovaries, including excessive growth of the ovary and reduced fertility. Giving a limited amount of feed is the only effective way to reduce this growth of the ovaries and improve fertility. This study aimed to assess the changes in the molecules that make proteins in the body in hens fed unrestricted and restricted diets. In the hens fed a limited amount of feed, there were more of one type of molecules, while there were more of another type in the ovaries of hens with unrestricted access to feed. These results show that how much a hen eats can alter the number of these molecules in the ovary and this could help us understand why their ovaries grow excessively and why their eggs are less fertile.

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Ad Libitum Feeding in Broiler Breeder Hens Alters the Transcriptome of Granulosa Cells of Pre-Hierarchal Follicles.

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