Effect of dietary protein and energy on intestinal Mucin-2 expression and posthatch growth in Naked Neck broiler

Abstract

The effect of dietary protein and energy on intestinal MUC-2 expression and broiler chick performance for five weeks were evaluated. One hundred thirty chicks were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments viz. A [23% Crude protein(CP);2808 ME kcal/Kg], B (23% CP; 3005 ME kcal/Kg), C (21% CP; 2801 ME kcal/Kg) and D (21% Crude Protein; 2801 ME kcal/Kg), Diet C being the regulrar broiler diet, was taken as control. Body weights at 5-week, feed intake, and FCR (0–5 weeks) were recorded. mRNA expressions of MUC2 and β-actin genes in intestinal mucosa were quantified at the age of first, third and fifth week by real time PCR, using β-actin gene as a housekeeping. The mean body weight in the diet A, B and D were significantly higher as compared to diet C at the age of third weeks. The transcription level of mucin gene was found to be modified by dietary protein and energy levels, and age of the bird. Mucin expression in duodenum was higher in all treatment groups (A, B and D) compared to control diet (C) at early age but reduced as the age progressed. The expression of mucin gene was highest in group A at first week and in group B at third week. Significant down regulation in the expression levels were noted at 5th week of age in all treatment groups. It can be concluded that manipulating dietary constituents, leads to alter the performance as well as mucin gene expression in naked neck broilers.