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ABTRACT: Hatchability could be quite different among individuals of indigenous chicken breed which might be affected by the egg quality. In this study, hatchability was individually recorded among 800 forty-wk-old Huainan partridge chickens. The chickens were then divided into high and low hatchability groups (HH and LH group) with 50 birds in each group. Egg quality was further determined in the 2 groups. Eight birds from each group were selected for slaughtering and tissue, responsible for egg formation, collection for structure observation by staining and candidate gene expression by transcriptome analysis. The hatchability in HH was 100% and 61.18% in LH. The eggshell thickness and shell strength were significantly lower, while the albumen height and Haugh unit were significantly higher in HH group than those in LH group (P < 0.05). The magnum weight and index, and the expression of polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 9 (GALNT9), which responsible for thick albumen synthesis, in HH group were also significantly higher than that of LH group (P < 0.05). Compared with the LH group, there were 702 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HH group, of which 402 were up-regulated and 300 were down-regulated. Candidate genes of calbindin 1 (CALB1) and solute carrier family 26 member 9 (SLC26A9), which regulate calcium signaling pathway so as to affect Ca2+ transportation, exhibited significant high and low expression, respectively, in HH group compared to those in LH group (P < 0.05). Therefore, indigenous chicken with high expression of GALNT9 in magnum to form thick albumen to provide more protein for embryo, while high CALB1 and low expression of SLC26A9 to decrease Ca2+ transportation so as to form a thinner eggshell and provide better gas exchange during embryo development.

Hatchability could be quite different among individuals of indigenous chicken breed which might be affected by the egg quality. In this study, hatchability was individually recorded among 800 forty-wk-old Huainan partridge chickens. The chickens were then divided into high and low hatchability groups (HH and LH group) with 50 birds in each group. Egg quality was further determined in the 2 groups. Eight birds from each group were selected for slaughtering and tissue, responsible for egg formation, collection for structure observation by staining and candidate gene expression by transcriptome analysis. The hatchability in HH was 100% and 61.18% in LH. The eggshell thickness and shell strength were significantly lower, while the albumen height and Haugh unit were significantly higher in HH group than those in LH group (P < 0.05). The magnum weight and index, and the expression of polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 9 ( GALNT9 ), which responsible for thick albumen synthesis, in HH group were also significantly higher than that of LH group (P < 0.05). Compared with the LH group, there were 702 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HH group, of which 402 were up-regulated and 300 were down-regulated. Candidate genes of calbindin 1 ( CALB1 ) and solute carrier family 26 member 9 ( SLC26A9 ), which regulate calcium signaling pathway so as to affect Ca2+ transportation, exhibited significant high and low expression, respectively, in HH group compared to those in LH group (P < 0.05). Therefore, indigenous chicken with high expression of GALNT9 in magnum to form thick albumen to provide more protein for embryo, while high CALB1 and low expression of SLC26A9 to decrease Ca2+ transportation so as to form a thinner eggshell and provide better gas exchange during embryo development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Dietary supplementation of green tea powder (GTP) changes egg quality of hens, however, whether these changes affect incubation is still unknown. This study was to compare the proteomic difference of incubated eggs from hens with GTP supplemented or not. Huainan partridge chickens (1,080) at 35 wk of age were allocated into 2 groups, one group fed basal diet (CG) and one group fed basal diet plus 1% GTP (EG). After 4 wk feeding, artificially fertilized eggs were collected for yolk cholesterol determination and incubation. During incubation, 6 embryos from each group were randomly selected in each day for yolk protein extraction and quantification. Yolk cholesterol content was significantly lower, while the hatchability was significantly higher in EG than that of the CG group (P < 0.05). Yolk protein concentration at embryonic days (ED) of 0, 2, 6, and 13 showed significant changes and were selected for proteomic analysis by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Fifty-one differentially expressed (DE) protein spots were identified among different incubation stages between CG and EG group which were mainly classified into vitellogenin, immunoglobulin, and ovoinhibitor, and occupied 45.1, 23.5, and 15.7%, respectively, to the total DE proteins. Ovotransferrin, participated in extracellular sequestering of iron ion process, was significantly lower in EG group than that of the CG group (P < 0.05). Ig light chain precursor (Immunoglobulin) exhibited higher expression at ED6 in EG group as compared with that of the CG group, and was participated in immune response related processes. Ovoinhibitor, mainly involved in protease binding activity, showed lower abundance at ED13 in EG group as compared with that of the CG group. Vitellogenin-3, showed lower expression in EG group as compared with that of the CG group, was mainly participated in lipid transportation and localization according to GO enrichment. Chickens fed diet with GTP provided eggs more antioxidant ability that increased hatchability, indicated that GTP could be considered as additive in breeding layer.

Huainan Partridge chicken is one of the indigenous chicken breeds in China. In this study, the first complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence of Huainan Partridge chicken had been obtained using PCR amplification, sequencing and assembling. The mitogenome of Huainan Partridge chicken is 16785 bp in length, including a control region (D-loop), 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer genes and 2 ribosomal genes. The base composition of the complete mtDNA sequence is 30.27% for A, 23.73% for T, 13.50%for G, 32.50% for C. This study will provide reference for the phylogenetic analysis of Huainan Partridge chicken.

Huainan Partridge chicken is one of the indigenous chicken breeds in China. In this study, the first complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence of Huainan Partridge chicken had been obtained using PCR amplification, sequencing and assembling. The mitogenome of Huainan Partridge chicken is 16785 bp in length, including a control region (D-loop), 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer genes and 2 ribosomal genes. The base composition of the complete mtDNA sequence is 30.27% for A, 23.73% for T, 13.50%for G, 32.50% for C. This study will provide reference for the phylogenetic analysis of Huainan Partridge chicken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether or not green tea promotes egg production is unclear. Huainan partridge chickens at 20 weeks of age were divided into two groups, with one group fed a basal diet (control) and one fed a basal diet plus 10 g/kg green tea powder (GTP) for 12 weeks. Egg production (EP) and feed intake (FI) were recorded daily. Plasma lipid parameters, and apolipoprotein-B (Apo-B), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) expression were determined every four weeks. Egg production and FI showed no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). Egg weight was 47.58 g in the control group, which was higher than that of the GTP group, and the feed-to-egg ratio (FCR) was 4.62 in the control group, which was lower than that of the GTP group after 12 weeks feeding. Compared with the control group, plasma orexin A (p < 0.05), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A (Apo A), and very high-density lipoprotein (VHDL) (p < 0.01, respectively) were increased. Plasma glucose (Glu), free fatty acid (FFA), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.01, respectively), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) (p < 0.05) were decreased in the GTP group after 8 weeks feeding. The LPL expression in the liver was increased in the GTP group after 8 to 12 weeks feeding when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Chickens fed GTP did not affect EP, but decreased egg weight, which might be because of lower plasma lipid concentration, increased plasma Orexin A, and liver LPL expression.

A comparison has been made between natural mating (NM) and artificial insemination (AI) in fast feathering Huainan partridge chickens. A total number of 360 fast feathering Huainan partridge hens and 40 roosters were randomly divided into two equal groups. For NM, 4 mating cages were maintained each with 5 roosters and 45 laying hens. The other birds were reared in 3-layer complete ladder cages for AI, for which 180 hens were maintained in 60 cages with 3 hens/cage and 20 roosters in 20 cages. Laying performances, mortality, egg quality characteristics and welfare level of birds were measured during the study period. Compared with AI birds, NM birds laid the first egg significantly earlier age, and had significantly lower laying rate, mortality and body weight of hens. NM birds however had significantly higher albumen height, Haugh units and yolk colour. No significant differences were found in other laying performances and egg quality characteristics. Except for the back region of AI females which had better feather cover, the average feather score for most body parts of AI and NM hens was not significantly different. An overall feather score of NM females was significantly lower than that of AI ones. The average feather score for each individual part of the body and an overall average score for roosters remained unchanged between two groups. Additionally, NM birds showed a higher level of fear than AI. Our overall results suggest that reproduction technique may be an important factor affecting some layer performances, egg quality characteristics and welfare in local poultry breeds. These findings are expected to provide a theoretical guide to choice of breeding methods for poultry enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold stress triggers an anti-oxidative response in animals regulated by Nrf2 (nuclear factor 2-like, NFE2L2) binding to deoxyribonucleic acid-regulatory sequences near stress-responsive genes. To identify chicken Nrf2-regulated genes, 3 genetically related experimental groups (EG) with 40 Huainan partridge chickens in each group were chosen. The chickens were maintained at 20°C environmental temperature from 5 wk of age. At 6 wk of age, 10 chickens from each EG were still maintained at 20°C as control, and the other 30 chickens from each EG were exposed to 6 ± 2°C. Liver samples were collected from the control and from chickens exposed to 6 ± 2°C for 12, 24, and 72 h for co-immuno-precipitation (CoIP) analysis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-sequencing experiment in liver cells treated with Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) were carried out. A de novo motif was discovered which closely matched the core Nrf2 consensus binding motif. Genes involved in de novo motif discovery were further analyzed for their enrichment in the anti-oxidative response pathway and the lipid anabolism pathway. There were 14 genes found which are related to oxidative stress. To examine the downstream factors of the 14 responsive genes, one of them, UGT1A1 (UDP glucuronosyltransferase), was further analyzed by CoIP experiment and nano LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. It was detected that fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP, 127 AA) might be the potential UGT1A1 downstream interaction proteins. In conclusion, it is proposed that chickens under cold stress generate anti-oxidative stress and thus trigger the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, which further up-regulates the expression of L-FABP to inactivate lipid peroxidation of the cell membrane and promote fatty acid storage against the cold environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is clear that heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is responsible for stressful conditions. However, the expression level and profile of HSP70 during cold stress are still unknown. In this study, the expression profile of HSP70 in the heart, liver, muscle and spleen of Huainan partridge chicken exposed to low temperature was investigated. HSP70 expression was showed tissue-dependent with highest expression in muscle, followed by liver and heart; conversely, there was no evidence of changes in spleen, where there were two expression peaks during cold stress, before 3 and after 72 h, respectively. The plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity exhibited a significant increase (P<0.01) after 1 h of cold stress exposure, and then decreased till to the lowest level after 72 h of cold stress exposure. On the other hand, nitric oxide content arose and reached the peak level (P<0.01) after 3 h of cold stress exposure, and then suddenly decreased to the original level with the duration of exposure time. In conclusion, mRNA expression of HSP70 turned out to be tissueand time-dependent in muscle, liver and heart in broilers under cold stress exposure. The distinct expression of HSP70 suggested that highenergy supply and balance of CK activity might be responsible for the HSP70 high expression. poultry. Little neglect would cause body and/or uniformity not to meet the professional standards, and then affect the production performances (Yahav, 2000). The extent of the deleterious effects of cold stress is determined not only by its magnitude but also by the status of cellular defense systems, particularly the cellular anti-oxidation. Both biotic and abiotic stress can induce nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and in turn mediate the reaction of hydrogen peroxide and accelerate oxidation. Such oxidation will increase the number of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) that can attack and irreparably damage membrane composition and permeability (Omar and Pappolla, 1993). Chickens have high metabolic rate but no sweat glands, so they are more sensitive to ambient temperatures. Stress responses and damage of liver and heart occurred in broilers, which were suddenly exposed to low temperatures (Lin et al., 2006). A common event observed in chicken during thermo-resistance was the high expression of heat shock protein (HSP) genes (Mahmoud et al., 2003; Hagiwara et al., 2007). Many studies have shown the importance of HSPs for the survival of cells under stress conditions. As universal cytoprotective proteins, HSPs expression may enhance stress tolerance and thereby increase the survival rate of stressed cells (Latchman, 2001). However, studies on the expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) during cold stress were highly diverse. Some suggested that HSP70 only expressed after rewarming (Liu et al., 1995; Laios et al., 1997; Gabriel et al., 2003), and others implied a tissue-dependent expression (Givisiez et al., 2001). The expression profile of HSP70 in chicken tissue during cold stress is still unknown. In the present study, the mRNA expression level of HSP70 in the heart, liver, muscle and spleen of Huainan partridge chicken - a Chinese indigenous breed that was subjected to cold stress - was investigated. Plasma NO and creatine kinase (CK) were also measured for monitoring of oxidative stress and cell membrane damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to discover the mechanism of cold stress and identify differentially expressed genes in hypothalamus during cold stress, 4 weeks of age Huainan partridge chickens, Chinese indigenous breed, were chosen for 24 h cold stress and then hypothalamus were isolated and labeled by reverse transcription reaction for cDNA. Labeled cDNA were hybridized with cDNA microarray. After scanning and image processing, the different gene expression profiling of hypothalamus and normal control was investigated. The differentially expressed genes included 334 down-regulated genes and 543 up-regulated genes. In these differentially regulated genes, myosin heavy chain polypeptide 11 ( MYH11), light chain polypeptide 9 ( MYL9) and tenascin-Y ( TNXB), etc., which involved in muscle activity were significantly down-regulated. Genes like cholecystokinin ( CCK), neuropeptide Y ( NPY), neuropeptide Y receptor 5 ( NPY5R), hypocretin receptor 2 ( HCRTR2) and hypocretin neuropeptide precursor ( HCRT) which responsible for regulation of feeding behavior were significantly up-regulated. In addition, genes responsible for lipid synthesis, like apolipoprotein ( APOB) and agouti related protein homolog ( AGRP), were also up-regulated. Through pathway analysis using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomics, during 24 h cold stress, the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction was firstly initiated in chickens for stimulation of central nervus for feed intake. Adipocytokine signaling pathway was in high activation for supplementation of body energy. Jak-STAT, Ca signaling pathway and other biological reactions were also initiated in response to cold stress. The biological pathways participated in cold stress would provide important information for clarify the mechanism of cold stress and the differentially expressed genes would give much help for screening of candidate genes in breeding of cold stress resistant lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

digenous chickens from various part of China, due to different feather characters, always performed differently when countered with cold stress. In this study, the effects of long term hypothermia on serum hormones (triiodothyronine, thyroxine and insulin) and activity of plasma enzymes (Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, creatine kinase and lactic dehydrogenase) were studied in two indigenous broiler breeds, Huainan partridge (H) and Wenchang (W) chickens. Chickens in 20°C±2°C were compared with those subjected to moderate (15°C±2°C) and severe low temperature (10°C±2°C) for one week. Long-term hypothermia elevated plasma insulin and reduced T4 in W, decelerated insulin and increased T4 in H, while T3 did not change in the two breeds. Plasma enzymes AST, LDH and CK decreased in the two breeds and ALT only decreased in W exposed to cold stress. A significantly decreased body weight gain of H and no variations in W at low temperature were observed. However, a trend of decreased weight gain in W was observed when bred under low temperature condition. Follicle density and diameter were compared in the two breeds with back density in H significantly higher than W and diameter from back of H significantly smaller than W, while much larger than the latter at latero-abdominal part. We investigated the pattern of serum biological change, follicle diameter and density under cold stress condition in two indigenous broiler breeds from different areas of China to provide informative guidance for broiler production and indications in breeding of cold resistant breed.

Dietary supplementation of green tea powder (GTP) changes egg quality of hens, however, whether these changes affect incubation is still unknown. This study was to compare the proteomic difference of incubated eggs from hens with GTP supplemented or not. Huainan partridge chickens (1,080) at 35 wk of age were allocated into 2 groups, one group fed basal diet (CG) and one group fed basal diet plus 1% GTP (EG). After 4 wk feeding, artificially fertilized eggs were collected for yolk cholesterol determination and incubation. During incubation, 6 embryos from each group were randomly selected in each day for yolk protein extraction and quantification. Yolk cholesterol content was significantly lower, while the hatchability was significantly higher in EG than that of the CG group (P < 0.05). Yolk protein concentration at embryonic days (ED) of 0, 2, 6, and 13 showed significant changes and were selected for proteomic analysis by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Fifty-one differentially expressed (DE) protein spots were identified among different incubation stages between CG and EG group which were mainly classified into vitellogenin, immunoglobulin, and ovoinhibitor, and occupied 45.1, 23.5, and 15.7%, respectively, to the total DE proteins. Ovotransferrin, participated in extracellular sequestering of iron ion process, was significantly lower in EG group than that of the CG group (P < 0.05). Ig light chain precursor (Immunoglobulin) exhibited higher expression at ED6 in EG group as compared with that of the CG group, and was participated in immune response related processes. Ovoinhibitor, mainly involved in protease binding activity, showed lower abundance at ED13 in EG group as compared with that of the CG group. Vitellogenin-3, showed lower expression in EG group as compared with that of the CG group, was mainly participated in lipid transportation and localization according to GO enrichment. Chickens fed diet with GTP provided eggs more antioxidant ability that increased hatchability, indicated that GTP could be considered as additive in breeding layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to establish whether powdered bamboo extract (BFRE) as a feed additive for chickens was effective in maintaining body weight gain and serum enzymatic activity when birds are exposed to cold stress. Broiler Huainan partridge chickens (4 weeks old), fed a diet containing powdered BFRE (0.3 g/kg) for one week, showed significant weight gains compared to the control. Subsequently, the chickens were exposed to low temperatures (15 or 10 °C) for one week with or without BFRE addition. After one week of exposure to 15 or 10 °C, serum enzymatic activities were recorded. Chickens not receiving BFRE and exposed to 10 °C showed a significant decrease in the body weight gain and in serum creatine kinase, lactic dehydrogenase L and alanine aminotransferase activities, whereas the activity of these enzymes changed to a lesser extent in chickens receiving BFRE. However, body weight gains were maintained within the normal range when the ambient temperature was 10 °C. In conclusion, BFRE was an effective additive in preventing chickens from losing body weight during cold stress, and in fluctuations in serum enzymatic activity when exposed to cold stress. The results suggest that powdered BFRE is an effective additive in minimizing the negative effects of cold stress in broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous chickens from various part of China, due to different feather characters, always performed differently when countered with cold stress. In this study, the effects of long term hypothermia on serum hormones (triiodothyronine, thyroxine and insulin) and activity of plasma enzymes (Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, creatine kinase and lactic dehydrogenase) were studied in two indigenous broiler breeds, Huainan partridge (H) and Wenchang (W) chickens. Chickens in 20°C±2°C were compared with those subjected to moderate (15°C±2°C) and severe low temperature (10°C±2°C) for one week. Long-term hypothermia elevated plasma insulin and reduced T4 in W, deceleratedinsulin and increased T4 in H, while T3 did not change in the two breeds. Plasma enzymes AST, LDH and CK decreased in the two breeds and ALT only decreased in We exposed to cold stress. A significantly decreased body weight gain of H and no variations in W at low temperature were observed. However, a trend of decreased weight gain in W was observed when bred under low temperature condition. Follicle density and diameter were compared in the two breeds with back density in H significantly higher than W and diameter from back of H significantly smaller than W, while much larger than the latter at latero-abdominal part. We investigated the pattern of serum biological change, follicle diameter and density under cold stress condition in two indigenous broiler breeds from different areas of China to provide informative guidance for broiler production and indications in breeding of cold resistant breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Tons of green tea powder (GTP) are produced and cast off during green tea processing. It is suggested that GTP could increase immunity and health, and so improve animal production performance. We demonstrated that one percent of GTP supplemented in the diet did not affect egg production. However, long time GTP inclusion resulted in decreased egg weight and increased feed-to-egg ratio. Combined with plasma lipid concentration, the decreased egg weight might be because of lower plasma lipid concentration, increased plasma orexin A, and liver lipoprotein lipase expression in chickens fed a diet containing GTP. Whether or not green tea promotes egg production is unclear. Huainan partridge chickens at 20 weeks of age were divided into two groups, with one group fed a basal diet (control) and one fed a basal diet plus 10 g/kg green tea powder (GTP) for 12 weeks. Egg production (EP) and feed intake (FI) were recorded daily. Plasma lipid parameters, and apolipoprotein-B (Apo-B), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) expression were determined every four weeks. Egg production and FI showed no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). Egg weight was 47.58 g in the control group, which was higher than that of the GTP group, and the feed-to-egg ratio (FCR) was 4.62 in the control group, which was lower than that of the GTP group after 12 weeks feeding. Compared with the control group, plasma orexin A (p < 0.05), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A (Apo A), and very high-density lipoprotein (VHDL) (p < 0.01, respectively) were increased. Plasma glucose (Glu), free fatty acid (FFA), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.01, respectively), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) (p < 0.05) were decreased in the GTP group after 8 weeks feeding. The LPL expression in the liver was increased in the GTP group after 8 to 12 weeks feeding when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Chickens fed GTP did not affect EP, but decreased egg weight, which might be because of lower plasma lipid concentration, increased plasma Orexin A, and liver LPL expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huainan Partridge chicken is one of the indigenous chicken breeds in China. In this study, the first complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence of Huainan Partridge chicken had been obtained using PCR amplification, sequencing and assembling. The mitogenome of Huainan Partridge chicken is 16785 bp in length, including a control region (D-loop), 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer genes and 2 ribosomal genes. The base composition of the complete mtDNA sequence is 30.27% for A, 23.73% for T, 13.50%for G, 32.50% for C. This study will provide reference for the phylogenetic analysis of Huainan Partridge chicken., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)., (© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)