Integrated Approach to Evaluating Inherited Predictors of Resistance to Pulmonary Hypertension Syndrome (Ascites) in Fast Growing Broiler Chickens
Authors: Wideman, Jr. Robert F. , Anthony Nicholas B. , Cahaner Avigdor , Shlosberg Alan , Bellaiche Michel , Roush William B. 
Published: December 2021

Background PHS (pulmonary hypertension syndrome, ascites syndrome) is a serious cause of loss in the broiler industry, and is a prime example of an undesirable side effect of successful genetic development that may be deleteriously manifested by factors in the environment of growing broilers. Basically, continuous and pinpointed selection for rapid growth in broilers has led to higher oxygen demand and consequently to more frequent manifestation of an inherent potential cardiopulmonary incapability to sufficiently oxygenate the arterial blood. The multifaceted causes and modifiers of PHS make research into finding solutions to the syndrome a complex and multi threaded challenge. This research used several directions to better understand the development of PHS and to probe possible means of achieving a goal of monitoring and increasing resistance to the syndrome. Research Objectives (1) To evaluate the growth dynamics of individuals within breeding stocks and their correlation with individual susceptibility or resistance to PHS; (2) To compile data on diagnostic indices found in this work to be predictive for PHS, during exposure to experimental protocols known to trigger PHS; (3) To conduct detailed physiological evaluations of cardiopulmonary function in broilers; (4) To compile data on growth dynamics and other diagnostic indices in existing lines selected for susceptibility or resistance to PHS; (5) To integrate growth dynamics and other diagnostic data within appropriate statistical procedures to provide geneticists with predictive indices that characterize resistance or susceptibility to PHS. Revisions In the first year, the US team acquired the costly Peckode weigh platform / individual bird I.D. system that was to provide the continuous (several times each day), automated weighing of birds, for a comprehensive monitoring of growth dynamics. However, data generated were found to be inaccurate and irreproducible, so making its use implausible. Henceforth, weighing was manual, this highly labor intensive work precluding some of the original objectives of using such a strategy of growth dynamics in selection procedures involving thousands of birds. Major conclusions, solutions, achievements 1. Healthy broilers were found to have greater oscillations in growth velocity and acceleration than PHS susceptible birds. This proved the scientific validity of our original hypothesis that such differences occur. 2. Growth rate in the first week is higher in PHS-susceptible than in PHS-resistant chicks. Artificial neural network accurately distinguished differences between the two groups based on growth patterns in this period. 3. In the US, the unilateral pulmonary occlusion technique was used in collaboration with a major broiler breeding company to create a commercial broiler line that is highly resistant to PHS induced by fast growth and low ambient temperatures. 4. In Israel, lines were obtained by genetic selection on PHS mortality after cold exposure in a dam-line population comprising of 85 sire families. The wide range of PHS incidence per family (0-50%), high heritability (about 0.6), and the results in cold challenged progeny, suggested a highly effective and relatively easy means for selection for PHS resistance 5. The best minimally-invasive diagnostic indices for prediction of PHS resistance were found to be oximetry, hematocrit values, heart rate and electrocardiographic (ECG) lead II waves. Some differences in results were found between the US and Israeli teams, probably reflecting genetic differences in the broiler strains used in the two countries. For instance the US team found the S wave amplitude to predict PHS susceptibility well, whereas the Israeli team found the P wave amplitude to be a better valid predictor. 6. Comprehensive physiological studies further increased knowledge on the development of PHS cardiopulmonary characteristics of pre-ascitic birds, pulmonary arterial wedge pressures, hypotension/kidney response, pulmonary hemodynamic responses to vasoactive mediators were all examined in depth. Implications, scientific and agricultural Substantial progress has been made in understanding the genetic and environmental factors involved in PHS, and their interaction. The two teams each successfully developed different selection programs, by surgical means and by divergent selection under cold challenge. Monitoring of the progress and success of the programs was done be using the in-depth estimations that this research engendered on the reliability and value of non-invasive predictive parameters. These findings helped corroborate the validity of practical means to improve PHT resistance by research-based programs of selection.