The effect of transport stress on turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) liver acute phase proteins gene expression

Res Vet Sci. 2016 Feb:104:92-5. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2015.11.014. Epub 2015 Dec 2.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of transport-related stress on the liver gene expression of four acute phase proteins (APP), namely α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Serum Amyloid A (SAA) and PIT54, in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). A group of seven BUT BIG 6 commercial hens was subjected to a two-hour long road transportation and the quantitative gene expression of APP in the liver was compared to that of a non transported control group. The expression of AGP and CRP mRNA was found to be increased in animals slaughtered after road transport. The presence of AGP protein was also confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The results of this study showed that road-transport may induce the mRNA expression of immune related proteins. The finding that AGP and CRP can be upregulated during transport could suggest their use as for the assessment of turkey welfare during transport.

Keywords: Acute phase proteins; Animal welfare; Meleagris gallopavo; Road transportation stress; Turkey.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute-Phase Proteins / genetics*
  • Acute-Phase Proteins / metabolism
  • Animal Welfare
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Gene Expression*
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Stress, Physiological
  • Transportation*
  • Turkeys / genetics
  • Turkeys / physiology*
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Acute-Phase Proteins