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Research: Genetics of growth and development, especially the genetic mechanisms involved in the early growth of the chicken; genetics of reproduction as applies to avian breeding systems Teaching:
E-mail: gfb1@psu.edu Classes Taught
Dr. Barbato is an investigator in the field of physiological genetics of growth and development, specializing in appetitive and learning behavior patterns. His program focuses on neurochemical and neuromorphometric correlates of selection for growth rate, including determination of the inheritance of brain size and neurochemistry of the hatching chick from a diallel cross. In addition, research into the genetics of growth has led to the development of four strains having radically different growth and developmental patterns, which have been useful in determining the types of gene action related to economically important traits. The research is aimed at isolating specific genes and gene products involved in growth, fat deposition, and meat yield in both avian and mammalian model systems. Further, a long-term series of studies investigating the genetic architecture of behavior patterns over time (including learning, tonic immobility, fear and frustration, and response to novelty) in order to determine their genetic relationship with endogenous neurotransmitters has been initiated. Concomitant to research involving the inheritance patterns of growth and developmentally related traits, he, in conjunction with Dr. R. Hammerstedt (Department of Molecular and Cell Biology), has turned attention toward genetic variation in the reproductive aspects of the transmission of genes. This work has centered upon the male reproductive system, specifically genetic relationships of sperm membrane characteristics and has resulted in a novel method to evaluate the fertilizing ability of sperm from a variety of avian and mammalian species. These model systems are critical to understanding welfare considerations of domestic animal species since the systems define the range of genetic and physiological responses of the organism to its environment. This research will ultimately allow us to determine the optimum genetic and management combinations having the greatest advantage for the bird, producer, and consumer. Future PlansThe S-8 generation of the selected lines will be reproduced and the P-9 parents selected for a double, divergent selection experiment. We will also reproduce the S-3 generation of the lines selected for divergent rates of decay of the growth curve. Studies will continue to investigate alternative pharmacogenetic models of food intake, as well as their effects on catch up growth and ascites susceptibility Work will continue on reproduction and fertility. We expect to submit at least two grants to support this work. We will complete a third complete diallel cross of selection lines. In addition to replicating the earlier experiments, all progeny will be raised in a fluctuating cool environment, to determine the genetic architecture of ascites susceptibility. PublicationsDecuypere, E., V. Bruggeman, G. F. Barbato, and J. Buyse. 2003. "Problems associated with selection for increased broiler meat production: Growth and reproduction." In: Poultry Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology. Edited by W. M. Muir, S. E. Aggrey, and G. W. Keeton. Pp. 13-28. CABI Publishing, CAB International. Tajima, A. T., G. F. Barbato, T. Kuwana, and R. H. Hammerstedt. 2003. "Recovery of a genetically selected broiler line using cryopreserved PGCs isolated by newly developed filtration method." Poultry Science 40:53-61. Sizemore, F. G., and G. F. Barbato. 2002. "Correlated responses in body composition to divergent selection for exponential growth rate to 14 or 42 days of age." Poultry Science 81:932-38. Way, A. L., G. F. Barbato, and G. J. Killian. 2001. "Identification of norepinephrine in bovine oviductal fluid by high performance liquid chromatography." Life Sciences 70:567-76. Acar, N., G. F. Barbato, and P. H. Patterson. 2001. "2. The effect of feeding excess methionine on live performance, carcass traits, and ascitic mortality." Poultry Science 80:1,585-89. Acar, N., P. H. Patterson, and G. F. Barbato. 2001. "1. Appetite suppressant activity of supplemental dietary amino acids and subsequent compensatory growth of broilers." Poultry Science 80:1,215-22. Hammerstedt, R. H., G. F. Barbato, P. Cramer, M. Griswold, and J. O'Brian. 2001. "The role of prosaposin (SPG-I) in sperm-binding and fertility." J. Andrology 22:361-75. Kerr, C. L., R. H. Hammerstedt, and G. F. Barbato. 2001. "Effects of selection for exponential growth rate at different ages on reproduction in chickens." Avian and Poultry Biology Reviews 12:127-36. Acar, N., M. Hulet, and G. F. Barbato. 2001. "Effect of dietary lysine on yield losses occurring during feed restriction to reduce ascites in high yielding broilers." J. Appl. Poultry Science 10:211-20. |
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Last modified Tuesday, May 13, 2008 8:00 |
