To better understand the effects of synbiotics administered at early stages of embryonic development in poultry, it is necessary to analyze direct effects (meat quality) and the molecular background. The molecular interpretation of poultry meat properties after in ovo administration of synbiotics remains to be reported. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the molecular background of meat quality based on gene expression and basic physiological parameters. Eggs were injected with (S1) Lactobacillus salivarius with galacto-oligosaccharides or (S2) Lactobacillus plantarum with raffinose family oligosaccharides. The pectoral muscle was collected at two time points (day 7 and day 42) and subjected to RNA isolation. Gene expression analysis was performed by RT-qPCR for a panel of eight genes associated with metabolism. The concentration of glucose and hormones (insulin, glucagon, and leptin (S1 p = 0.04)) was also increased. The obtained results showed that metabolic gene expression in the muscle was more differential due to synbiotic stimulation on day 7 (FST in S1 p = 0.03; PDK4 in S1 p = 0.02 and S2 p = 0.01; CEBPB in S1 p = 0.01 and S2 p = 0.008; PHKB in S1 p = 0.01; PRKAG3 in S1 p = 0.02) than on day 42 (PDK4 in S1 p = 0.04). On the basis of the results obtained, it can be concluded that in ovo stimulation with S1 triggered the most potent and favorable changes in the pectoral muscle gene expression in broiler chickens.
Keywords: gene expression; in ovo technology; meat; poultry; synbiotics.