Transcriptomic responses of in ovo delivered bioactive substances in heat stressed broiler chickens

Heat stress causes significant economic losses to the poultry industry. Several bioactive substances have reported heat stressmitigative properties. However, the conventional routes of bioactive substance delivery, i.e., via the feed or water, limit their
efficacy. Delivering these substances via the in ovo route might help overcome the limitations of the conventional delivery routes. This delivery strategy could potentially enhance their heat stress mitigating capacity. Therefore, this study intends to utilize molecular biological techniques to evaluate broiler chickens’ response to a mimicked summer heatwave. The heat stress mitigating potential of in ovo delivered bioactive substances (antibiotics, probiotics, folic acid, and essential oil) will also be determined. Outcomes from this study could help solve two critical challenges facing the global poultry industry; finding an effective alternative to antibiotics and heat stress mitigation. This research will ensure optimal gut health development in broiler chickens, hence dismissing the need for antibiotic use.

Faculty Supervisor:

Deborah Adewole

Student:

Partner:

University of Arkansas

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

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

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: