Comparative analysis of reproductive tract microbiomes in modern and slower-growing broiler breeder lines.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The reproductive tract microbiome in hens is of interest because bacteria in the reproductive tract could potentially affect fertilization and egg production, as well as integrate into the forming egg and vertically transmit to progeny.

Methods

The reproductive tract microbiome of 37-week-old modern commercial Cobb breeding dams was compared with that of dams from a broiler Legacy line which has not undergone selection since 1986. All animals were kept together under the same management protocol from day of hatch to avoid confounders.

Results

In regards to reproductive abilities, Cobb dams' eggs weighed more and the magnum section of their reproductive tract was longer. In regards to microbiome composition, it was found that the reproductive tract microbi

SUBMITTER: Shterzer N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11039882 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature