Immune-Related Gene Expression Responses to Stimulation and LPS Challenge in Two Distinct Chicken Genotypes.

Background: stimulation introduces bioactive compounds, such as prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics into incubating eggs to enhance gut health and immune system development in chickens. This study aimed to determine the genetic and environmental effects modulating responses to stimulation in commercial broilers and Green-legged Partridge-like (GP) native chickens.

Methods: Eggs were stimulated on day 12 of incubation with prebiotics (GOS-galactooligosaccharides), probiotics ( subsp.

Effective use of artificial insemination as an ex situ conservation method for the capercaillie.

With the threat of extinction looming over many species, the development of assisted reproduction techniques for use in conservation programmes is imperative. This work explores the feasibility and efficacy of artificial insemination in the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), a species in critical danger of extinction. Nine young, male birds were used as sperm donors for five young females.

Relationship between semen quality and level of heterozygosity on the model of endangered population of Western capercaillie.

Sperm quality is a very important population survival factor, which can be influenced by the level of male's genetic diversity and can influence reproduction effectiveness, what may be crucial in terms of decision about local, endangered population protection plans. Thus, we analysed if heterozygosity and age influence sperm quality in the engendered European capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) population in Polish breeding stations. Obtained results showed no relationship between normal sperm morphology and heterozygosity, as well as age and sperm morphology, but it was shown that both high and low level of heterozygosity significantly influenced the percentage of abnormal sperm.

Effect of freeze-dried quail egg white and yolk addition to semen extender on viability of rooster sperm stored for 6 h at 4°C.

The effect of freeze-dried quail egg white and yolk addition to basic EK extender on morphology and motility of chicken broiler breeder semen was investigated. Fresh pooled semen was divided into eight parts: fresh, undiluted (control), diluted in 1:2 ratio (v/v) with basic EK extender, EK + 200 mg/ml of egg white, EK + 100 mg/ml of egg white, EK + 50 mg/ml of egg white, EK + 100 mg/ml of egg yolk, EK + 50 mg/ml of egg yolk, EK + 25 mg/ml of egg yolk. Semen samples were evaluated 15 min after dilution and after 6 h of storage at 4°C.

Use of native chicken breeds (Gallus gallus domesticus) for the development of suitable methods of Cantabrian capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus cantabricus) semen cryopreservation.

Background: The Cantabrian capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus cantabricus) is critically endangered. This subspecies has the lowest genetic variability and it is in regression. It belongs to Phasianidae family; therefore, the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) could be a good model for developing reproductive technologies for use in capercaillie populations with low availability of animals.