Identification of key genes and molecular mechanisms associated with low egg production of broiler breeder hens in ad libitum.

Background: Overfeeding reduces laying performance in broiler breeder hens, which is associated with obesity, hepatic steatosis and systemic inflammation. To unravel the underlying mechanisms governing the effect of feeding regimes on energy metabolism and egg production, a transcriptomics approach was carried out for screening differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ovary, liver and adipose tissues of broiler chickens under ad libitum and restricted feeding.

Results: It showed that 289, 388 and 204 DEGs were identified in the adipose, liver and ovary, respectively.