Whole-genome resequencing reveals genetic indels of feathered-leg traits in domestic chickens.

Whole-genome resequencing provides the opportunity to explore the genomic variations and pave way for further functional assays to map the economical trait loci. In this study, we sequenced the genomes of mixed chicken samples from a full-sib family, with feathered and unfeathered legs at an average effective depth of 4.43×, using Illumina Hiseq 2000 instruments.

RNA-Seq reveals differentially expressed genes affecting polyunsaturated fatty acids percentage in the Huangshan Black chicken population.

Fatty acids metabolic products determine meat quality in chickens. Identifying genes associated with fatty acids composition could provide valuable information for the complex genetic networks of genes with underlying variations in fatty acids synthesis. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was conducted to explore the chicken transcriptome from the thigh muscle tissue of 6 Huangshan Black Chickens with 3 extremely high and low phenotypic values for percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

Transcriptional profiling of liver tissues in chicken embryo at day 16 and 20 using RNA sequencing reveals differential antioxidant enzyme activity.

Considering the high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the antioxidant defense of chick embryo tissues is vital during the oxidative stress experienced at hatching. In order to better understand the mechanisms of the defense system during chicken embryo development, we detected the activity of antioxidant enzymes during the incubation of chicken embryo. Results showed that the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and (GSH-PX) in livers were higher than those in hearts.

Purification and Identification of a Natural Antioxidant Protein from Fertilized Eggs.

Fertilized hen eggs are rich in a variety of bioactive ingredients. In this study, we aimed to obtain an antioxidant protein from fertilized eggs and the radical scavenging abilities on 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical (•OH), superoxide anion (O•) were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the purified protein. During 20 d of incubation, the radical scavenging ability of protein extracted from fertilized eggs exhibited significantly differences and the protein on day 16 showed higher antioxidant capacity.