Identification of the molecular mechanisms governing ovulation frequency in low and high egg producing turkey hens

Due to selection for carcass traits, egg production in turkey hens has been reduced. This project sought to perform transcriptome analysis of the tissues of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis in low egg producing and high egg producing turkey hens. Furthermore, these hens were compared outside and during the preovulatory surge that triggers ovulation. Understanding the differences between low egg producing hens and high egg producing hens, particularly in regard to triggering ovulation, may allow for selection for increased egg production without compromising growth.