Integrated analyses of transcriptome for the hepatic and gut mucosa tissues and gut microbiome of broiler chickens under heat stress conditions

The world’s rising environmental temperatures due to climate change have a severe impact on poultry, which is highly sensitive to heat due to lacking sweat glands and being covered with feathers. Researchers are focused on developing strategies to relieve heat stress in poultry, with dietary interventions being extensively studied. Heat stress affects appetite and animal welfare, and early detection through specific genes like HSP-related and oxidative-related genes can help. The gut microbiome, a complex colony of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in the health and immunity of poultry. Transcriptomic analysis has revealed physiological changes caused by heat stress in poultry, but the link between microbiota changes and host immunity and nutrition remains unclear.
The study aims to understand the mechanisms of heat stress and develop interventions for the poultry industry by investigating the relationship between gut, liver, and microbiome through tissue-specific transcriptomic analysis in the liver and Peyer’s patches. This research will contribute to improving poultry production and animal welfare.

Faculty Supervisor:

Xin Zhao

Student:

Partner:

National Pingtung University of Science and Technology

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Life Sciences (not health); Agriculture and Food; Sustainability & the Environment

University:

McGill University

Program: