Construction of multiple linear regression models using blood biomarkers for selecting against abdominal fat traits in broilers

Abstract

Plasma very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) can be used to select for low body fat or abdominal fat (AF) in broilers, but its correlation with AF is limited. We investigated whether any other biochemical indicator can be used in combination with VLDL for a better selective effect. Nineteen plasma biochemical indicators were measured in male chickens from the Northeast Agricultural University broiler lines divergently selected for AF content (NEAUHLF) in the fed state at 46 and 48 d of age. The average concentration of every parameter for the 2 d was used for statistical analysis. Levels of these 19 plasma biochemical parameters were compared between the lean and fat lines. The phenotypic correlations between these plasma biochemical indicators and AF traits were analyzed. Then, multiple linear regression models were constructed to select the best model used for selecting against AF content. and the heritabilities of plasma indicators contained in the best models were estimated. The results showed that 11 plasma biochemical indicators (triglycerides, total bile acid, total protein, globulin, albumin/globulin, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, uric acid, creatinine, and VLDL) differed significantly between the lean and fat lines (P < 0.01), and correlated significantly with AF traits (P < 0.05). The best multiple linear regression models based on albumin/globulin, VLDL, triglycerides, globulin, total bile acid, and uric acid, had higher R2 (0.73) than the model based only on VLDL (0.21). The plasma parameters included in the best models had moderate heritability estimates (0.21 ≤ h2 ≤ 0.43). These results indicate that these multiple linear regression models can be used to select for lean broiler chickens.

The gut microbiota is largely independent of host genetics in regulating fat deposition in chickens

“…Despite substantial heritability (h 2 , 0.40~0.53) [6,7], genetic progress in abdominal fat deposition has been slow due to the difficulty and cost of measuring this phenotype in a non-invasive manner [8]. In addition, the genetic selection against fatness is hindered by the high positive correlation between BW and abdominal fat content [9].…”

Fermented cottonseed meal improves production performance and reduces fat deposition in broiler chickens

“…On the other hand, in broiler chicken farms a rapid increase in the growth rate of broiler chickens has been accompanied by an increase in the deposition of body fat [7]. Fat has been considered as a by-product of very little commercial value [8]. Moreover, excessive fat deposition can increase feed cost and reduce feed conversion efficiency [9].…”

Genome‐wide association study for plasma very low‐density lipoprotein concentration in chicken

“…We also estimated the correlation between plasma VLDL concentration and AF content (AFW and AFP), and the results indicated that plasma VLDL concentration was significantly correlated with AF content. This result was consistent with the previous report which also detected significant correlation between plasma VLDL concentration and AF content ( r = 0.46) in broilers (Dong et al, ). All these results indicated that the plasma VLDL concentration could reflect the AF content in chicken.…”

“…Selecting traits that are highly associated with AF might be one of the best methods. Plasma very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) concentration was detected to be significantly associated with AF and could be applied for commercial broiler breeding programmes (Crespo & Esteve‐Garcia, ; Dong et al, ; Griffin & Whitehead, ; Legrand & Hermier, ). Whitehead and Griffin () established two chicken lines divergently selected for AF by using plasma VLDL concentration as the selection criterion.…”