The effect of undernutrition during embryonic development on the embryonic and postnatal metabolism of chickens.

In this project, undernutrition in the chicken embryo will be created by the removal of albumen (proteins) or the removal of yolk (mainly fat) from fertilized eggs, before or during incubation. The importance of the research is dual: on the one hand, this undernutrition-model can be used as a reflection on human maternal undernutrition. On the other hand, this model of nutritional deficit during embryonic development can play an important role for the poultry industry. Broiler breeder hens, in contrast with layer hens, are restricted in feed consumption, which might affect embryonic development as a result of an altered egg composition. By the removal of albumen or yolk from the egg, the importance of this egg component can be investigated. The aim of this project is to study the effects of embryonic undernutrition on the pre- and postnatal development and metabolism of the chicken. The persistent effects on growth and functioning (e.g. insuline sensitivity) will be investigated. Therefore, the energy metabolism, and more specific fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism will be focused on. Moreover, the molecular alterations and set-point changes of the homeostatic parameters (carbohydrate, protein, fat, endocrine factors) will be investigated.

Keywords:Undernutrition, Chicken, Protein, Fat, Metabolism, Yolk, Carbohydrate, Albumen

Disciplines:Animal biology, General biology, Agricultural animal production