Role of the serotonergic axis in the reproductive failure associated with aging broiler breeder roosters

Reproductive failure associated with ageing is a well-known phenomenon. However, the mechanism by which this failure occurs in broiler breeder roosters is still unclear. A previous study conducted in our lab, comparing young and aging broiler breeder roosters, demonstrated an elevation in hypothalamic vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary prolactin (PRL) gene expression accompanied by a deterioration of gonadal axis function. This resulted in a decrease in semen-quality variables as roosters aged.
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - Category: Endocrinology Authors: Source Type: research