Author
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Richards, Mark |
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Submitted to: Poultry Science
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 3/30/2003 Publication Date: 3/30/2003 Citation: Richards, M.P. Genetic regulation of feed intake and energy balance in poultry. Poultry Science. 2003 v. 82. p. 907-916. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Intensive selection by poultry breeders over many generations for economically important production traits such as growth rate, feed conversion, and egg production has been accompanied by significant changes in feed intake and energy balance. For example, the modern commercial broiler, selected for rapid growth and enhanced muscle mass, does not adequately regulate voluntary feed intake to achieve energy balance. When given unrestricted access to feed, broilers exhibit hyperphagia leading to an excessive accumulation of energy (fat) stores. Physiological connections have been identified and studied that link appetite, energy balance, and reproduction. A series of highly integrated regulatory mechanisms exists for each of these processes involving complex interactions between peripheral tissues and the central nervous system. However, we do not yet have a complete understanding of the genetic basis for this regulation. Genes encoding key regulatory factors such as hormones, cytokines, growth factors, neuropeptides, receptors, enzymes, transcription factors, and binding/transport proteins constitute the molecular basis for these regulatory systems by establishing integrated sensing, signaling, and metabolic pathways. This overview will examine what is currently known about the regulation of feed intake and energy balance in poultry at the gene level. Potential strategies for identifying and characterizing individual genes or functional groupings of genes to be studied and approaches for analyzing their expression will be discussed using selected examples of specific genes involved in regulating appetite and energy metabolism. A better understanding of the genes associated with feed intake and energy balance and how their expression is regulated by nutritional and hormonal stimuli will offer new insights into poultry breeding and management practices. |
