Genomics of Heat Stress in Poultry

Global climate change, increasing human population and improved economic status in populous, developing countries are leading an expansion of poultry production in high ambient temperatures. High environmental temperatures have a negative impact on productivity and health in poultry. There is evidence for a substantial genetic component to the bird’s response to heat. Therefore, it is feasible and desirable to identify the genomic regions controlling heat tolerance and to breed chickens that are better adapted to high temperatures. Contemporary genomic approaches will yield insight into the complex genetic mechanisms that contribute to a bird’s ability to cope with a hot environment. We used the 600K chicken SNP panel and an Advanced Intercross Line of chickens to conduct GWAS to identify genomic regions controlling performance under heat stress. Transcriptome analysis of the liver using RNA-seq identified genes and gene networks associated with response to heat in broilers. Obtaining a deeper understanding of the genetic mechanisms that birds use in response to heat will aid in the development of intervention strategies that target the pathways of response to heat, including genetic selection programs based upon the key identified genes. Supported by USDA-NIFA-AFRI Climate Change Award #2011-67003-30228.