Single nucleotide polymorphism in avian uncoupling protein gene is associated with thermoregulation in chicks |
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| Authors: | Yoshimitsu Ouchi Vishwajit S Chowdhury John F Cockrem Takashi Bungo |
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| Institution: | 1. Laboratory of Animal Behavior and Physiology, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan;2. Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan;3. School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand |
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| Abstract: | Avian uncoupling protein (av-UCP) is a key protein for thermoregulation in poultry. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the av-UCP gene has been reported in chickens. The purpose of the current study was to clarify the association between this av-UCP gene mutation and thermoregulation in chickens. Wild and mutant type chicks for the av-UCP gene SNP (g. 1270 of the av-UCP gene exon 3 with C to T substitution and amino acid substitution) were exposed to high ambient temperature. Rectal temperature, radiation temperature on the body surface, and the expression of heat dissipation behavior (wing drooping and panting) during heat exposure were measured. In addition, oxygen consumption rate in the thermoneutral zone in wild and mutant type chicks was measured. Changes in wing temperature during heat exposure in wild-type chicks were lower than those in mutants. The latency of continuous wing drooping during heat exposure in wild-type chicks was shorter than in mutant chicks. It was also found that the SNP in the av-UCP gene caused reduced oxygen consumption. These results suggest that the av-UCP gene mutation affects thermoregulation, especially heat production, in chickens. |
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| Keywords: | chickens heat dissipation heat production oxygen consumption UCP |
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