Changes to daily feed intake during the laying period alters embryonic MSTN and MYOG gene expression in genetically fat and lean lines of chickens.

1. Broiler breeders are unable to self-regulate feed intake to a level that permits reproductive function and restricted feeding is normal for broiler parent stock. The aim of this study was to determine whether myostatin (MSTN) and myogenin (MYOG) mRNA expression could be altered in relation to differences in body composition of the embryos and the hen's diet. 2. A 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted with two dietary intake levels (100% and 75% of nutrition recommendation) and two broiler genotypes (Fat line and Lean line). Hens (384 of each line) were randomly divided at 23 weeks of age into 4 treatments, with each treatment represented by 12 replicates of 16 birds each. The experiment started when the rate of lay reached 5% and continued until 54 weeks of age. 3. There were significant effects of line and dietary intake, and interactions between them on MSTN and MYOG mRNA expression levels in embryonic tissues. The trend in MSTN mRNA expression level over the embryonic period was similar between lines. Low daily feed intake did not alter the trend in MSTN mRNA expression levels in either line, but significantly changed the peak values. MYOG mRNA expression varied by line and over time, with a delay in the Lean line. Low daily feed intake influenced the trend in MYOG mRNA expression levels in both lines and delayed its onset.