Variation in the cystathionine beta synthase gene linked to susceptibility for osteoporosis in laying hens. Better bones

Skeletal damage is a challenge for laying hens, as the physiological adaptations for egg laying make them susceptible to osteoporosis. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) of large effect was detected on chromosome 1. The alternative genotypes at the locus had tibial breaking strengths (N) of 200.4 vs 218.1 Newton (p<0.002). The transcriptome of the tibia for each genotype indicated four genes that were differentially expressed at the locus, one gene, cystathionine beta synthase, having a nine-fold greater expression associated with the allele for low bone quality.