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PubMed1997

The applicability of particleboard residue as a litter material for male turkeys.

Particleboard residue is a by-product of the secondary wood products manufacturing industries. Large quantities of this product are landfilled for lack of better use. The objective of the current study was to investigate the possibility of using particleboard residue as a litter source for male turkeys. Two sizes of particleboard residue, fine and coarse, were compared to hardwood shavings. Compared to hardwood shavings, fine and coarse particleboard was a drier, cleaner product initially, as indicated by lower moisture content as well as bacteria and mold counts at Day 0. Turkeys reared for 123 d on fine particleboard had several advantages over those reared on either the coarse particleboard or hardwood shavings, which included significantly lowered incidences of breast buttons and leg abnormalities. Perhaps due to the jagged edges and coarser texture, coarse particleboard increased the incidence of foot pad dermatitis when compared to the other two litter sources. Turkeys reared on fine particle-board had a 0.16 kg reduction (P < 0.01) in live market body weights compared to the toms reared on hardwood shavings, but this was offset by a 0.22 kg gain in muscle deposition (P < 0.05). Mortality, breast weights and yields, and feed efficiency were unaffected by litter source. Based on the variables studied, it was concluded that fine particleboard residue could be used as an alternative bedding material for male turkeys.

Aging↗
PubMed1997

Digestible sulfur amino acid requirement of starting turkeys.

Three experiments (a total of 1,020 poults) were conducted to determine the digestible sulfur amino acid (SAA) requirement for female turkey poults during the starter period. Poults were fed a standard corn-soybean meal diet (PC) that met or exceeded NRC recommendations (28% CP, 3,172 kcal MEn/kg) for 1 wk and were then randomly assigned to treatments until 22 d (Experiment 2 and 3) or 23 d (Experiment 1) of age. Dietary treatments included the PC diet and seven or nine titrated levels of methionine added to a basal corn-soybean meal diet, for a total of 0.50 to 1.33% total digestible SAA. The basal diet contained 18.4% intact crude protein. All diets contained 3,171 kcal MEn/kg. The true digestible SAA content of the basal diet without methionine additions was 0.50% based on digestibility assays of the corn and soybeans with cecectomized turkeys. Diets were formulated to contain 1.40% digestible lysine. Other amino acids were maintained at levels in relation to lysine based on previous research with turkeys and the Illinois Ideal Chick Protein. Broken-line analysis suggests that the digestible SAA requirement for female turkeys during the starter period is 0.76% for optimum body weight gain and 0.75% for optimal feed:gain at the energy levels used in these studies.

Amino Acids, Sulfur↗
PubMed1998

Differentiating between parthenogenetic and "positive development" embryos in turkeys by molecular sexing.

In mated or inseminated turkeys, 5 to 15% of eggs set for incubation show only rudimentary development. Most of these embryos die during the first 24 to 48 h of incubation and contain only unorganized sheets of tissue. This abnormal development is termed "positive development" (PD). Turkey eggs also show incidence of parthenogenesis and the resulting progeny is believed to be always male. As both types of embryos are morphologically similar at the early stage of incubation, it has been speculated that PD embryos may in fact be parthenogens. By identifying the sex at the blastodermal stage with the help of DNA markers, we have differentiated between the PD embryos and parthenogens. Parthenogenetic embryos were obtained from eggs laid by uninseminated or virgin Beltsville Small White (BSW) hens, and the PD embryos were obtained from eggs of inseminated Nicholas and British United Turkeys of America (BUTA) hens. DNA was extracted from blastoderms of parthenogenetic and PD embryos. Turkey W-chromosome specific DNA probe and primers were used to detect females in all samples by Southern blot and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. No female was detected among the 35 parthenogens examined, whereas there were 3 females among the 11 PD embryos. The presence of both males and females among PD embryos suggests that they are products of fertilization, and that at least these 3 female embryos, if not all the 11 PD embryos, are not of parthenogenetic origin. It is concluded, therefore, that PD embryos result from errors in fertilization or from early embryonic mortality following successful fertilization, and that they are unlikely to be of parthenogenetic origin.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Characterization of turkey spermiophages with regard to traits common to macrophages.

Turkey peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) and spermiophages (SMO) were assayed for characteristics of macrophages. The PEC elicited by i.p. injection of 3% Sephadex and SMO isolated from semen using Percoll were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium supplemented with 20% bovine calf serum (DMEM-20) for 24 h at 41 C in 5% CO2 to provide adherent cells for assays. Most PEC and SMO showed esterase activity (99.3 +/- 0.6 and 98.8 +/- 0.9%, respectively), and exhibited nonspecific phagocytosis of carbon (89.5 +/- 3.6 and 95.3 +/- 0.6%, respectively), zymosan (26.5 +/- 7.6 and 24.3 +/- 2.5%, respectively), bacteria (11.3 +/- 0.8 and 9.3 +/- 0.3%, respectively), and opsonized and nonopsonized SRBC. Maximum uptake of SRBC was seen by 2 h for PEC but not until 4 h for SMO. At time of maximum uptake, SRBC were noted in 35 to 40% of PEC but only in 15 to 20% of SMO. Turkey IgG-FITC bound to both PEC and SMO, but goat anti-turkey IgG-FITC bound only to SMO. Increased nitrite was found in turkey semen after 24 h storage, with highest levels in samples in which SMO were added. Nitrite production was demonstrated using adhered PEC, but SMO could not be tested due to low cell numbers. This research clearly identifies SMO as having macrophage-like activities. Accordingly, these cells may possess the ability to process and present antigen via histocompatibility receptors. Such activity could lead to immune directed responses, including antibody production or activation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Relationship between long bone distortion and tibial dyschondroplasia in male turkeys.

To determine whether a relationship exists between long bone distortion and tibial dyschondroplasia (TD), the hock joints of Large White commercial male turkeys were examined using low intensity x-ray imaging (hand-held lixiscope). All lame birds with long bone distortion and 96 control birds without lameness were examined at 8.3 and 12.3 wk of age for TD lesions using a lixiscope. Results indicated that the incidence of TD was less than 2% at 8.3 wk of age. The incidence increased to 21% by 12.3 wk of age. The TD lesions at 12 wk of age were considered mild covering only one-fourth of the growth plate. Chi-square analysis indicated that control turkeys without long bone distortion were just as likely to have TD lesions as were lame turkeys with long bone distortion. Under the conditions of the present experiment, TD did not appear to be a significant skeletal problem in Large White commercial male turkeys prior to 12.3 wk of age. Only 5 out of 37 (14%) toms with long bone distortion at 12.3 wk of age had TD lesions, suggesting that the valgus-varus deformity may be independent of TD.

Aging↗
PubMed1999

Supplemental oxygen affects plasma insulin-like growth factors in embryos from selected lines of turkeys.

Recent advances in our understanding of insulin-like growth factors (IGF) have improved our knowledge of the physiological roles of these peptide hormones during avian embryogenesis. However, little is known about changes in plasma IGF in response to changes in environmental factors. The objective of the studies reported herein was to examine the response of IGF-I and IGF-II in turkey embryos to changes in incubator gaseous conditions. Two experiments were conducted in which the fractional percentage of oxygen in the incubation atmosphere, a factor known to influence the energy metabolism of embryos, was investigated for its effects on circulating IGF-I and IGF-II in developing turkey embryos. Oxygenation during pipping and hatching is known to depress lactate, urates, and beta-hydroxybutyrate in growth-selected poult embryos, but elevate them in randombred control poult embryos. Plasma concentrations of IGF-II were similarly depressed in the growth-selected hatchlings. Circulating growth factor concentrations were influenced by oxygenation in lines of turkeys in which greater oxygen concentrations enhanced cardiac growth. Enhanced cardiac growth was inversely related to IGF-I concentrations in those genetic lines of turkeys. It was concluded that changes in poult embryo energy balance as well as changes in growth to adapt to environmental incubator conditions may involve changes in IGF-I and IGF-II. These changes appeared dependent on the genetics of embryos; embryos selected for growth show more fluctuation in response to environmental oxygen than embryos selected for egg production.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

A halothane test to detect turkeys prone to developing pale, soft, and exudative meat.

The turkey industry suffers from pale, soft, and exudative meat (PSE) that is unsuitable for further processing because of excessive color variation, poor meat binding, and depressed water holding ability. This condition is caused by accelerated postmortem muscle metabolism and is thought to be related to a similarly inherited condition in swine. A quick, nondestructive method of screening animals is needed to avoid further propagation of PSE in breeding flocks. In this study, a halothane test used with swine was evaluated as a possible detection method for PSE-susceptible turkeys. In Experiment 1, a commercial strain of 4-wk-old male turkeys (n = 116) was exposed to 3% halothane gas for 3 min (6 L/min) and examined for leg muscle rigidity. Experiment 2 followed similar testing measures, using two strains of growth-selected turkeys (n = 504). Measurements of pH, R-value (ratio of inosine:adenosine), color, and expressible moisture content were made from each bird's breast fillet to determine whether the muscles of the responding birds would develop PSE characteristics. Five percent of tested birds in the first experiment and 2% in the second experiment exhibited rigid legs, indicating some of the discriminating power of this test. However, the data indicated that the characteristics of muscles from these birds did not differ from those of the nonresponding birds (P < 0.05). Possibly, the birds may need to be screened or slaughtered at a different age or using different methods.

Adenosine↗
PubMed2000

Immunization of chickens with quail and turkey perivitelline membrane proteins: production of antibodies and their effects on fertility.

The cross-reactivity of antibodies developed against zona pellucida proteins and their subsequent deleterious effect on fertility in heterologous species is well documented. However, similar investigations have not been undertaken in avian species. In Experiment 1, White Leghorn hens were immunized with intact germinal discs (GD) of quail and chickens. Chicken GD proteins did not elicit an immune response in chicken hens, whereas quail GD proteins were highly immunogenic. Anti-quail GD antibodies did not bind with chicken inner perivitelline membrane (IPM) proteins as determined by immunoblot analysis. To examine the fertility of immunized hens, artificial insemination was performed at weekly intervals for 4 wk following the booster immunization. No significant differences were detected in fertility or hatchability of immunized hens when compared with unimmunized control hens. In Experiment 2, White Leghorn hens were immunized with intact turkey GD, solubilized turkey perivitelline membrane (PM) modified with dinitrophenol (DNP), and solubilized chicken IPM modified with DNP. High titers of antibodies were detected against the turkey GD and the DNP-modified turkey PM proteins. A weak immune response was observed in hens immunized with modified chicken IPM proteins. The fertility and hatchability of eggs laid by immunized hens, however, were not significantly different from those of unimmunized hens. Antibodies from immunized hens were further analyzed using an in vitro assay that assesses sperm penetration of intact IPM. Sperm penetration of intact IPM was inhibited to the same extent when IPM was preincubated with preimmune as well as anti-PM immunoglobulins. Collectively, these results suggested that the antibodies developed in these hens did not cross-react with the chicken IPM proteins involved in sperm-egg interaction and thus did not influence the fertility.

Acrosome Reaction↗
PubMed2000

The effect of vitamin D3 on resistance to stress-related infection in an experimental model of turkey osteomyelitis complex.

Male turkeys immunosuppressed by injection with dexamethasone (DEX) were given supplemental vitamin D3 in their drinking water in two experiments. In Experiment 1, vitamin D3 was supplemented at a dosage of either 2,064 IU/kg (low level) or 4,128 IU/kg (high level) in drinking water provided ad libitum only from Days 1 through 5 after hatch. In Experiment 2, vitamin D3 was provided at the low dosage for the first 5 d after hatch, followed by treatment with the high dosage for 12 h before and 12 h after each stressful event, which included weekly weighings and two DEX treatments. In both experiments, at 5 wk of age half of the birds were given intramuscular injections of 2 mg/kg DEX on 3 alternating d. In Experiment 1, 100 cfu of Escherichia coli was inoculated into the left thoracic airsac at the time of the third DEX injection. All mortalities were examined, and 10 birds per pen were necropsied 2 wk after treatment and examined for lesions of airsacculitis and turkey osteomyelitis complex (TOC). Four birds per pen were bled before necropsy, and white blood cell total counts, differential white blood cell counts, and clinical chemistry values were determined. In Experiment 2, healthy surviving birds were grown for an additional 5-wk period, after which the DEX-treated birds were given a second series of DEX injections and were bled and necropsied 2 wk later. There were no significant effects of vitamin D3 treatment in combined general linear models analysis of Experiment 1; however, when birds not treated with DEX or E. coli were compared with those treated with both DEX and E. coli, supplementation with the low level of vitamin D3 significantly decreased TOC incidence. There were no significant effects of vitamin D3 treatment in birds treated with DEX at 5 wk of age in Experiment 2. However, when surviving birds were given a second DEX treatment at 12 wk, vitamin D3 treatment resulted in significantly lower incidence of mortality, TOC, green liver, isolation of bacteria from tissues, and lower airsacculitis scores and heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratios than controls. Vitamin D3 also improved BW, relative weights of the liver and heart, and serum levels of glucose and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of birds receiving two treatments with DEX. The ability of vitamin D3 supplementation to protect turkeys from the immunosuppressive effects of multiple DEX treatments emphasizes the role of vitamin D3 as a prohormone that affects health and disease resistance in turkeys.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed2000

Effect of stunning current frequency on carcass downgrading and meat quality of turkey.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of frequency of a 150 mA water-bath stunning current on turkey hen carcass and meat qualities. Fifty turkey hens were subjected to water-bath stunning with alternating current of various frequencies: 50 Hz (n = 12), 300 Hz (n = 14), 480 Hz (n = 12), and 600 Hz (n = 12); the duration of stunning was 4 s for each bird. Carcass defects such as engorged wing veins, red wing tips, and hemorrhages were recorded. Turkey meat quality traits (M. Pectoralis major) were assessed based on rigor mortis development, color, drip loss, cooking loss, tenderness, and cooking yield of cured products. The data showed that frequencies of 480 Hz and 600 Hz are associated with an increased rate of postmortem pH decline (during bleeding). This effect is most likely due to the occurrence of vigorous wing flapping during the first 3 min poststunning. Under the experimental conditions of the present work, the increase in rate of pH decline after stunning at 480 and 600 Hz did not induce carcass and meat quality defects. However, before any recommendation is given, the influence of stunning frequency on turkey meat quality needs to be evaluated under industrial conditions.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed2000

Identification of limiting amino acids in methionine- and lysine-supplemented low-protein diets for turkeys.

Large White male turkeys were fed 100, 85, 70, or 60% of NRC (1994) CP during 7 to 28 d (Experiment (EXP) 1), 8 to 12 wk (EXP 2), and 16 to 20 wk (EXP 3) of age. Diets contained corn, soybean, canola, and meat meals and were supplemented with Met and Lys to requirement. The influence of supplementary amino acids (AA) was studied at each protein level. Turkeys fed 85% CP gained BW similarly to those fed 100% of NRC CP (control) during each age range. Supplemental Thr, Val, and Ile during 7 to 28 d or 8 to 12 wk, or Thr during 16 to 20 wk, did not result in positive BW gain response. For turkeys fed 70% CP, BW gain was depressed compared with the normal-CP control in each period. During 7 to 28 d and 8 to 12 wk of age, the combination of Thr, Ile, Val, Arg, and Trp to 100% of NRC reversed the BW depression; here only Thr, Ile, and Val were essential components of the response. The BW depression during 16 to 20 wk was reversed by the combination of Thr, Ile, Val, and Trp. For turkeys fed 60% of CP, BW gain was severely depressed. The combination of Thr, Ile, Val, Trp, and Arg resulted in nearly complete BW recovery during each age.

Aging↗
PubMed2001

Cooling rate effect on outgrowth of Clostridium perfringens in cooked, ready-to-eat turkey breast roasts.

The potential for Clostridium perfringens spores to germinate and grow in cooked, ready-to-eat turkey products was evaluated to determine a safe cooling rate within the critical temperatures of 48.9 C (120 F) through 12.8 C (55 F). Raw turkey deli breast roasts were inoculated with a cocktail of C. perfringens spores (NCTC 8238, NCTC 8239, and NCTC 10388) and cooked in a steam oven to an internal temperature of 72 C. The sample roasts were then cooled through the critical cooling range at rates yielding cooling times of 6, 8, and 10 h. Turkey roasts were analyzed for spore growth and multiplication using tryptose-sulfite-cycloserine agar and anaerobic incubation at 37 C for 48 h. Cooling times of 6 and 8 h showed no proliferation of C. perfringens that would violate the USDA/Food Safety Inspection Service safe cooling standard criteria, which would allow no more than a 1 log10 multiplication between 48.9 and 12.8 C. A 9.6-h cooling period between the designated temperatures at a 95% confidence interval was determined to be adequate for nonproliferation of C. perfringens. On the other hand, a 95% tolerance interval would be more stringent in that it suggests no more than an 8.9-h cooling period. Tolerance intervals required that 95% of all our observations did not exceed the limit of 1 log10 increase in C. perfringens. This study indicated that in cooked, ready-to-eat turkey deli breasts, a cooling period between 48.9 C (120 F) and 12.8 C (55 F) of no greater than 8.9 h should be utilized to prevent possible C. perfringens foodborne outbreaks.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Screening of Salmonella isolates from a turkey production facility for antibiotic resistance.

An ecological survey was conducted from April 1997 to June 1999 on four turkey flocks (F1 to F4). Turkey cecal contents, litter, waterers, feed, feeders, and environmental swabs were analyzed. Presence of Salmonella was determined using conventional microbiological screening techniques and confirmed by serology. Positive isolates were serotyped and screened for antibiotic resistance. From a total of 69 Salmonella isolates 25% were resistant to one or more antibiotics including gentamicin (G), spectinomycin (SP), streptomycin (S), tetracycline (T), tobramycin (TO), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Isolates included 45 S. heidelberg, 13 S. senftenberg, 7 S. muenster, 2 S. anatum, and 2 S. worthington. Resistance to antibiotic(s) was highest among waterer isolates (55%) followed by environmental swabs (43%), feeder content samples (33%), turkey cecal contents (26%), and litter samples (5%). Frequencies of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in F1, F2, and F4 were 27, 13, and 40%, respectively. Salmonella was undetected in F3. In F1, S. heidelberg from cecal content and waterer samples was resistant to G, SP, S, and T, whereas S. anatum from waterer samples was resistant to T and S. In F2, S. worthington from litter and feeder content samples was resistant to T, and in F4, S. muenster from environmental swabs was resistant to TO, S, SP, and G. Identifying preharvest sources and characterizing serotype and antibiotic-resistance profile can assist poultry producers and integrators in tracking movement of Salmonella on turkey farms.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2002

Production and characterization of a turkey sperm mitochondrial monoclonal antibody and its usefulness for assessment of sperm integrity.

A monoclonal antibody (4C7/2E4) that binds to an antigen located on the midpiece of turkey spermatozoa has been produced and characterized. The antibody was also reactive to antigens on the midpiece of chicken, Japanese quail, and bobwhite quail spermatozoa but was unreactive to spermatozoa from guinea fowl, human, horse, boar, and bull. Immunogold transmission electron microscopy of turkey spermatozoa showed that the antibody was associated with the outer mitochondrial membrane. Titratable antibody binding was observed for extracts of turkey spermatozoa and isolated mitochondria. The antibody did not recognize proteins separated by SDS-PAGE, but on Western blots of proteins separated by native gradient-PAGE, the antibody recognized a broad band greater than 660 kDa. No effects on fertilizing capacity, embryonic mortality, or hatchability of eggs were observed when the antibody was added to turkey semen prior to insemination. When semen stored for 0, 3, 6, 24, and 48 h was immunolabeled with 4C7/2E4, the percentage of spermatozoa with unlabeled midpieces was significantly increased by 6 h of storage. The number of free mitochondria and damaged midpieces also significantly increased with storage.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Effect of mannan-endo-1,4-beta-mannosidase on the growth performance of turkeys fed diets containing 44 and 48% crude protein soybean meal.

Soybean meal (SBM) contains heat-resistant mannans. Domesticated turkeys are sensitive to mannans because of the high inclusion rate of SBM in their diets, causing increased chyme viscosity, wet droppings, and reduced feed conversion. Three experiments of similar design were conducted to determine the effect of mannan-endo-1,4-f'-mannosidase supplementation of corn-SBM diets on market turkeys. Experiment 1 was conducted at North Carolina State University using Nicholas hens raised from 1 to 98 d of age. Experiments 2 and 3 were conducted at PARC Institute Inc. using Large White turkey toms raised from 1 to 126 d of age. In each experiment, birds were randomly assigned to litter floor pens. Each pen was assigned to one of four experimental treatments in 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of two basal diets containing 44% CP and 48% CP SBM (SBM-44 and SBM-48, respectively) with or without 100 million units (MU) Hemicell/tonne (1 MU = 106 enzyme activity U). Birds fed SBM-44 had lower final BW (14.9 vs. 14.56 kg 18 wk BW / tom; 7.66 vs. 7.46 kg 14 wk BW/hen, P < 0.05) and higher final cumulative feed/gain than those fed the SBM-48. Hemicell supplementation generally improved performance of all birds, with a greater response in birds fed SBM-44. Hemicell improved BW and feed/gain by 1% (P = 0.779) and 3% (P = 0.377) in hens and 2.5% (P = 0.0016) and 4% (P = 0.0001) in toms, respectively. The results of these experiments indicate that some of the adverse effects of antinutritional factors of SBM of on turkey growth performance can be alleviated by dietary mannan-endo-1,4-beta-mannosidase supplementation.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2003

Immune function in turkey breeder hens during the short day prelighting period and renewal of photosensitivity for egg production.

Photorefractoriness (PR) in the turkey breeder hen is characterized by a lack of responsiveness to photoperiods that previously induced or maintained egg production. The consequence of PR is spontaneous regression of ovarian function and cessation of lay. Photosensitivity (PS) may be regained by giving at least 8 wk of short photoperiod (8L:16D) (light restriction). Following the transition from PR to PS, the birds may be photostimulated with long photoperiods, which allows for the recrudescence of ovarian function and normal egg production. Although the return of reproductive viability is the parameter for determining the successful recycle of ovarian function, there are no known reports of the physiological costs of this transition on immune function in the turkey breeder hen. We conducted an experiment to determine the immune responsiveness at various stages of recycle in the turkey breeder hen. Fifty photorefractory birds were selected and distributed equally among five treatment groups (time points). All birds were given an 8-wk period of light restriction (8L:16D) followed by a 12-wk period of photostimulation (16L:8D). The cellular (cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity CBH) and humoral (antibody titer) immune responses were determined in each treatment group (sequential time points): prelight restriction, 2-wk light restriction, 7-wk light restriction, 2-wk photostimulation, and 12-wk photostimulation. After 2-wk light restriction, there was a reduction in the cellular (64.1%) and humoral (59.5%) immune responses from that of the PR hens at the start. After 7-wk light restriction, the humoral responses increased (33.5%) as compared to the 2-wk light restriction time point Upon photostimulation, both the cellular (23.3%) and humoral (52.4%) immune responses were reduced at 2 wk of photostimulation as compared to the prior 7-wk light restriction time point. Finally, there was a rise in cellular (45.7%) and humoral (72.3%) immune responses after 12 wk of photostimulation as compared to the prior 2-wk photostimulation time point. We concluded that recycling of PR turkey hens was associated with altered cellular and humoral immune responses characterized by initial decline then recovery in both the light restriction and the postphotostimulation periods.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Expression of turkey transcription factors and acyl-coenzyme oxidase in different tissues and genetic populations.

Several transcription factors are involved in regulating lipid metabolism in various animal tissues. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma and PPARalpha regulate lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. Gene fragments for PPARgamma, PPARalpha, and acyl-coenzyme A oxidase (ACO) have been cloned in turkeys, and the sequences of these genes were highly homologous to those of chickens, pigs, and humans. Data showed that turkey PPARgamma and PPARalpha were highly homologous (>97%) with that of the chicken, indicating the genetic relationship between those two species was close. The tissue distribution and genetic effect on mRNA concentrations of PPARgamma, PPARalpha, and ACO in two genetic populations of turkeys [randombred control (RBC2) and growth selected (F line)] was determined. The PPARgamma mRNA was highly expressed in adipose tissue in both populations, but there was no difference between the two populations. The PPARalpha mRNA concentration was high in the liver with less expression in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. The PPARalpha mRNA concentration was similar between the two genetic populations. The ACO mRNA was expressed in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver with no difference between the genetic populations. The data suggest that both turkey liver and adipose tissue have considerable capability for fatty acid oxidation and synthesis. Long-term selection for increased 16-wk BW in the F line had no effect on the expression of PPARgamma, PPARalpha, and ACO.

Acyl-CoA Oxidase↗
PubMed2003

Turkey microsatellite loci from an embryonic cDNA library.

Expressed sequence tags (EST) containing microsatellites have been used in the development of both genetic linkage maps and syntenic maps for various species and, thus, offer the advantage of being a convenient tool in comparative mapping studies. A turkey embryonic cDNA library was constructed and screened with (CA/TG)15, (GA/CT)15, (AGG)10, and (AAAC)7 probes for the development of polymorphic microsatellite markers. Sequences of 128 cDNA revealed 42 new loci containing microsatellites. BLAST nucleotide analysis demonstrated significant homology to known mammalian or avian coding regions for 15 of the turkey EST, five of which matched chicken transcripts. The remaining 27 EST represented novel sequences. Of the 42 new loci, 31 were polymorphic when tested on commercial turkey lines, including the founding individuals of a new resource population developed for genetic linkage mapping. Comparative mapping of these markers will provide new information toward the evolutionary divergence of turkey and chicken as well as other species.

Animals↗