The College of Agriculture at the University of Basra investigated the relationship between the gene expression of FADS1 and COX-2 and the production performance and emergence of certain myopathies in ROSS 308 broiler chickens raised at different stocking densities.

The study, presented by researcher Ma'rib Abbas Jaber Al-Kurdi, aimed to determine the relationship between the gene expression of these two genes and the emergence of pectoralis major muscle stiffness and white fat streak disorder in ROSS 308 broiler chickens raised at different stocking densities.

The study concluded that a stocking density of 15 birds/square meter affects the emergence of certain histological changes related to the aforementioned disorders.

The study recommended focusing on the welfare of broiler chickens and the possibility of using the gene expression of these two genes as a molecular indicator of the extent of stress exposure in broiler chickens during rearing.

Media and Government Communication Division / College of Agriculture