Domestication and the evolution of the chicken intestine

Abstract

Since the early 20th century, the poultry industry has greatly influenced the breeding and growth of the modern broiler chicken. Birds were selected for faster growth and higher feed efficiency. In this study, the modern day broiler selected for rapid growth was compared to the meat type bird used until the 1950s, before the influence of human directed selection. Both lines were raised in identical environments including housing, feed and water, and lighting programs. Samples were taken from the duodenum at various time points over a forty-two day period. Analyses of histological sections and differential gene expression were used to explore the effects of human directed selection on the development, function, and gene expression of the duodenum in the modern day broiler to determine whether enteric differences between the two lines contribute to growth differences.