In the quest to meet the world’s growing demand for protein, understanding the genetic and molecular factors that influence poultry growth is more critical than ever. A recent study published in *Scientific Reports* sheds light on this very topic, offering insights that could revolutionize poultry breeding and production.
Researchers from the Animal Production Research Institute (APRI) at the Agricultural Research Center (ARC) conducted an integrated transcriptome analysis of the jejunum and liver in Golden Montazah (GM) chickens. The study, led by El-Sayed M. Abdel-Kafy, aimed to identify key genes and pathways associated with body weight, a trait of significant interest to the poultry industry.
The team selected the top 10 males from both high-weight (HW) and low-weight (LW) groups from a cohort of 480 GM chickens for RNA sequencing. Tissues from their jejunum and liver were collected and analyzed to uncover transcriptomic variations. The results were revealing: 38 up- and 36 down-regulated genes were identified in the jejunum, while the liver exhibited 109 up- and 74 down-regulated genes.
Among the notable differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were CHST14 and LOC429682 in the jejunum, and RBP2 and STC2 in the liver. These genes are believed to play crucial roles in growth regulation, immune response, and metabolic processes. “Understanding these molecular mechanisms is pivotal for developing targeted strategies to enhance growth performance in poultry,” Abdel-Kafy explained.
Functional enrichment analyses using GO and KEGG pathways highlighted processes such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions in the jejunum and steroid biosynthesis in the liver. Protein–protein interaction networks further identified key hub genes essential for various biological functions.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. By pinpointing the genetic factors that influence body weight, breeders can develop more efficient and targeted strategies for improving growth performance. This could lead to increased productivity, reduced costs, and a more sustainable poultry industry.
“Our findings emphasize the distinct gene expression profiles associated with body weight in the jejunum and liver, providing valuable insights for genetic improvement in poultry breeding,” Abdel-Kafy noted. This research not only advances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying poultry growth but also paves the way for innovative breeding practices that could reshape the future of the agriculture sector.
As the global demand for poultry continues to rise, studies like this one are crucial for ensuring that the industry can meet these needs efficiently and sustainably. The insights gained from this research could lead to breakthroughs in poultry breeding, ultimately benefiting producers, consumers, and the environment alike.