News in Brief:
– New research shows that metformin, a diabetes drug, significantly boosts egg production and extends the fertility of old broilers by improving their metabolic health.
– This breakthrough offers a sustainable solution for poultry farming, potentially reducing costs and enhancing efficiency without posing a risk to the human food supply.
A recent study from Penn State University has uncovered that a diabetes drug can significantly enhance egg-laying rates in ageing broiler breeder hens.
The new research findings indicated that Metformin, commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in humans, can extend the fertility and egg production lifespan of broiler breeder hens.
These findings, building on previous research, were recently detailed in the journal Biology of Reproduction, potentially offering a breakthrough for sustainable poultry farming practices.
Understanding the Mechanism
While the positive effects of metformin on hen fertility have been observed for some time, the latest research sheds light on the underlying biological mechanisms. Broiler breeder hens, selectively bred for rapid growth to meet global meat demands, often experience a sharp decline in fertility as they age. This decline mirrors fertility challenges seen in women with PCOS.
Metformin’s efficacy in improving fertility in women with PCOS prompted researchers to investigate its effects in chickens. The drug is known to help regulate hormones, improve insulin sensitivity, and normalise menstrual cycles in human patients.
Insights into Human Fertility from Poultry Studies
PCOS, a prevalent hormonal disorder affecting an estimated 4% to 12% of women, is a leading cause of female infertility. Metformin is frequently used off-label to manage PCOS symptoms.
In a 2023 study published in the journal Reproduction, Penn State researchers administered a daily low dose of metformin to a group of hens over 40 weeks. The results were notable: treated hens produced more fertile eggs, exhibited lower body fat, and showed healthier levels of reproductive hormones compared to a control group.
Improved Reproduction and Metabolic Health
Dr. Ramesh Ramachandran, a professor of reproductive biology in the College of Agricultural Sciences and senior author on the study, commented, “These findings suggest that metformin can significantly improve ovarian function in broiler breeder hens.”
These discoveries hold significant implications for the poultry industry, particularly in countries like Nigeria, where egg production is a vital sector for food security and economic development
Effectively, farmers could potentially reduce flock turnover, enhance animal welfare, and boost overall efficiency by extending the productive life of broiler breeder hens.
Ultimately, researchers stressed that metformin is an affordable and safe medication for this application. They also noted that the drug is rapidly metabolised by the hens, ensuring no risk of it entering the human food supply.
