Gene ontology defines pre-post- hatch energy dynamics in the complexus muscle of broiler chickens.

Background: Chicken embryos emerge from their shell by the piercing movement of the hatching muscle. Although considered a key player during hatching, with activity that imposes a substantial metabolic demand, data are still limited. The study provides a bioenergetic and transcriptomic analyses during the pre-post-hatching period.

Dietary guanidinoacetate reduces spaghetti meat myopathy risk in the breast muscle of broiler chickens.

The global demand for white chicken meat along with the increase in the occurrence of growth-related breast muscle myopathies (BMMs) [namely white striping (WS), wooden breast (WB), and spaghetti meat (SM)] highlights the need for solutions that will improve meat quality while maintaining the high productivity of modern broilers. Guanidinoacetate (GAA), a precursor of creatine, is used as a feed additive and has previously shown the potential to affect the quality of breast meat. This study investigated growth performance, meat quality and the risk ratio for the development of BMMs in broilers assigned to two dietary treatments: control (CON) group, fed a commercial basal diet, and supplemented GAA (sGAA) group, receiving the control diet supplemented on top with 0.

Research Note: Prospects for early detection of breast muscle myopathies by automated image analysis.

White Striping (WS), Wooden Breast (WB), and Spaghetti Meat (SM) are documented breast muscle myopathies (BMM) affecting broiler chickens' product quality, profitability and welfare. This study evaluated the efficacy of our newly developed deep learning-based automated image analysis tool for early detection of morphometric parameters related to BMM in broiler chickens. Male chicks were utilized, and muscle samples were collected on d 14 of rearing.

In-ovo feeding with creatine monohydrate: implications for chicken energy reserves and breast muscle development during the pre-post hatching period.

The most dynamic period throughout the lifespan of broiler chickens is the pre-post-hatching period, entailing profound effects on their energy status, survival rate, body weight, and muscle growth. Given the significance of this pivotal period, we evaluated the effect of in-ovo feeding (IOF) with creatine monohydrate on late-term embryos' and hatchlings' energy reserves and post-hatch breast muscle development. The results demonstrate that IOF with creatine elevates the levels of high-energy-value molecules (creatine and glycogen) in the liver, breast muscle and yolk sac tissues 48 h post IOF, on embryonic day 19 ( < 0.

Vertical transmission of gut bacteria in commercial chickens is limited.

The existence of vertical transmission in chickens under commercial settings, where chicks are raised separately from adults, is unclear. To answer this question, the fecal microbiota of chicks hatched and grown separately was compared with their mothers' microbiota. Most amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) identified in hens were not detected at all in chicks up to two weeks of age by 16S rDNA sequencing, and those that were detected had a low incidence among the chicks.

A deep learning-based automated image analysis for histological evaluation of broiler pectoral muscle.

Global market demand for chicken breast muscle with high yield and quality, together with the high incidence rate of breast muscle abnormalities in recent years highlights the need for tools that can provide a rapid and precise evaluation of breast muscle development and morphology. In this study, we used a novel deep learning-based automated image analysis workflow combining Fiji (ImageJ) with Cellpose and MorphoLibJ plugins to generate an automated diameter and cross-sectional area quantification for broiler breast muscle. We compared data of myofiber diameter from 14-day-old broiler chicks, generated either by manual analysis or by automated analysis.

Supply and demand of creatine and glycogen in broiler chicken embryos.

Optimal embryonic development and growth of meat-type chickens (broilers) rely on incubation conditions (oxygen, heat, and humidity), on nutrients and on energy resources within the egg. Throughout incubation and according to the embryo's energy balance, the main energy storage molecules (creatine and glycogen) are continuously utilized and synthesized, mainly in the embryonic liver, breast muscle, and the extraembryonic yolk sac (YS) tissue. During the last phase of incubation, as the embryo nears hatching, dynamic changes in energy metabolism occur.

Profiling intestinal stem and proliferative cells in the small intestine of broiler chickens via in situ hybridization during the peri-hatch period.

Mature small intestines have crypts populated by stem cells which produce replacement cells to maintain the absorptive villus surface area. The embryonic crypt is rudimentary and cells along the villi are capable of proliferation. By 7 d post-hatch the crypts are developed and are the primary sites of proliferation.

Intra-amniotic administration of l-glutamine promotes intestinal maturation and enteroendocrine stimulation in chick embryos.

Initial nutritional stimulation is a key driving force for small intestinal maturation. In chick embryos, administration of l-glutamine (Gln) into the amniotic fluid stimulates early development of the small intestinal epithelium by promoting enterocyte differentiation. In this study, we evaluated the effects of intra-amniotic administration of Gln on enterocyte morphology and function, and elucidated a potential enteroendocrine pathway through which Gln stimulates small intestinal maturation.

Nutritional stimulation by in-ovo feeding modulates cellular proliferation and differentiation in the small intestinal epithelium of chicks.

Nutritional stimulation of the developing small intestine of chick embryos can be conducted by in-ovo feeding (IOF). We hypothesized that IOF of glutamine and leucine can enhance small intestinal development by promoting proliferation and differentiation of multipotent small intestinal epithelial cells. Broiler embryos ( = 128) were subject to IOF of glutamine (IOF-Gln), leucine (IOF-Leu), NaCl (IOF-NaCl) or no injection (control) at embryonic d 17 (E 17).

Intestinal brush border assembly during the peri-hatch period and its contribution to surface area expansion.

Microvilli generate the small intestinal brush border, the main site of nutrient digestion and absorption. Mucosal structuring of the small intestine of chicken during the perihatch period has been widely researched, yet the developmental dynamics of microvilli during this period have not been fully characterized. In this study, we examined the structural and molecular characteristics of microvilli assembly and maturation during the perihatch period.

The transfer of amino acids and minerals to the egg yolk and to the yolk sac of their progeny is affected by breeder age.

This study aimed to assess the effects of breeder age on egg quality and amino acid and mineral transfer to the egg yolk and yolk sac of newly hatched chicks. Three ages (32, 42 and 52 weeks) of the same commercial flock of Hubbard breeders were studied. A total of 465 eggs were used for each age, with 60 being used for determining egg quality and amino acid and mineral content of yolk, and 405 for incubation period to obtain and evaluate the yolk sac of chicks.

Centennial Review: The chicken yolk sac is a multifunctional organ.

The yolk sac (YS) consists of the yolk, which supplies nutrients, and the YS tissue, which surrounds the yolk and provides essential metabolic functions for the developing embryo. The YS tissue is derived from the midgut of the embryo and consists of a layer of endodermal epithelial cells (EEC) in contact with the yolk contents, a mesodermal layer that contains the vascular system and an outer ectodermal layer. The YS tissue is a multifunctional organ that provides essential functions such as host immunity, nutrient uptake, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and erythropoiesis.

It's All About Timing: Early Feeding Promotes Intestinal Maturation by Shifting the Ratios of Specialized Epithelial Cells in Chicks.

The small intestine (SI) of chicks () matures rapidly during the initial post-hatch period and acquires digestive, absorptive, and secretive capabilities. The effects of the timing of first feeding on the quantities and distribution of specialized epithelial cells, which generate and maintain SI morphology and functionality, have not yet been examined. In this study, we identified specialized SI epithelial cell sub-types, including stem, progenitor, proliferating, and differentiated cells within crypts and villi of chicks during the first 10 days post-hatch, by hybridization (ISH), immunofluorescence (IF), and histochemical staining.

Incubation temperature affects yolk utilization through changes in expression of yolk sac tissue functional genes.

The yolk sac tissue (YST) is a multifunctional metabolic organ supporting chicken embryonic development. This study examined whether incubation temperatures (ITs) affect YST functions. For this purpose, 300 eggs were assigned to 3 groups and incubated at control IT of 37.

From broiler breeder hen feed to the egg and embryo: The molecular effects of guanidinoacetate supplementation on creatine transport and synthesis.

Supplementation of broiler breeder hens with beneficial additives bears great potential for affecting nutrient deposition into the fertile egg. Guanidinoacetate (GAA) is the endogenous precursor of creatine that is used as a feed additive for improving cellular energy metabolism in animal nutrition. In the present study, we have investigated whether GAA supplementation in broiler breeder feed affects creatine deposition into the hatching egg and molecular mechanisms of creatine transport and synthesis within hens and their progeny.

From Cell to Beak: In-Vitro and In-Vivo Characterization of Chicken Bitter Taste Thresholds.

Bitter taste elicits an aversive reaction, and is believed to protect against consuming poisons. Bitter molecules are detected by the Tas2r family of G-protein-coupled receptors, with a species-dependent number of subtypes. Chickens demonstrate bitter taste sensitivity despite having only three bitter taste receptors-ggTas2r1, ggTas2r2 and ggTas2r7.

Detecting thresholds for bitter, umami, and sweet tastants in broiler chicken using a 2-choice test method.

The sense of taste has a key role in nutrient sensing and food intake in animals. A standardized and simple method for determination of tastant-detection thresholds is required for chemosensory research in poultry. We established a 24-h, 2-alternative, forced-choice solution-consumption method and applied it to measure detection thresholds for 3 G-protein-coupled receptor-mediated taste modalities-bitter, sweet, and umami-in chicken.

Maternal and genetic effects on broiler bone properties during incubation period.

In order to examine the differences in bone properties between fast-growing and slow-growing broiler embryos and to understand the effects of genotype and egg size on these differences, fast- and slow-growing hens and males were reciprocally crossed to create 4 egg groups: FST (laid by fast-growing hens, inseminated by fast-growing males), H-FST (fast-growing hens and slow-growing males), H-SLW (slow-growing hens and fast-growing males), and SLW (slow-growing hens and slow-growing males). Embryos (n = 8) from these 4 groups were sacrificed and weighed, and both tibiae were harvested on embryonic d (E) 17, 19, and 21. Left tibiae were tested for their whole-bone mechanical properties using a micromechanical device.

The role of the bursa of Fabricius in the immune response to vaccinal antigens and the development of immune tolerance in chicks (Gallus domesticus) vaccinated at a very young age.

Vaccination is recognized to be the most cost-effective means of preventing, controlling, and even eradicating infectious diseases. Conventional poultry are vaccinated through various routes including eye/nose drops, drinking water, vent brush, or injection. Efficient vaccination is an essential part of any good poultry management.

In ovo feeding with minerals and vitamin D3 improves bone properties in hatchlings and mature broilers.

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of in ovo feeding (IOF) with inorganic minerals or organic minerals and vitamin D3 on bone properties and mineral consumption. Eggs were incubated and divided into 4 groups: IOF with organic minerals, phosphate, and vitamin D3 (IOF-OMD); IOF with inorganic minerals and phosphate (IOF-IM); sham; and non-treated controls (NTC). IOF was performed on embryonic day (E) 17; tibiae and yolk samples were taken on E19 and E21.

Bitter, sweet and umami taste receptors and downstream signaling effectors: Expression in embryonic and growing chicken gastrointestinal tract.

Taste perception is a crucial biological mechanism affecting food and water choices and consumption in the animal kingdom. Bitter taste perception is mediated by a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family-the taste 2 receptors (T2R)-and their downstream proteins, whereas sweet and umami tastes are mediated by the GPCR family -taste 1 receptors (T1R) and their downstream proteins. Taste receptors and their downstream proteins have been identified in extra-gustatory tissues in mammals, such as the lungs and gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and their GIT activation has been linked with different metabolic and endocrinic pathways in the GIT.

Perinatal administration of a bitter tastant influences gene expression in chicken palate and duodenum.

Bitter taste receptors (Tas2rs) and downstream effectors are responsible for mediating bitterness perception and regulation of food choice in mammals. Using RT-PCR, we demonstrated the expression of three Tas2rs and taste signal transduction molecules, α-gustducin, PLCβ2, and TRPM5, in the palate, tongue, and gastrointestinal tract sections in chicken. The bitter tastant quinine activates all three chicken Tas2rs in vitro as shown using calcium-imaging assays of transfected cells.

Temporal transcriptome analysis of the chicken embryo yolk sac.

Background: The yolk sac (YS) is an extra-embryonic tissue that surrounds the yolk and absorbs, digests and transports nutrients during incubation of the avian embryo as well as during early term mammalian embryonic development. Understanding YS functions and development may enhance the efficient transfer of nutrients and optimize embryo development. To identify temporal large-scale patterns of gene expression and gain insights into processes and mechanisms in the YS, we performed a transcriptome study of the YS of chick embryos on embryonic days (E) E13, E15, E17, E19, and E21 (hatch).