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Abstract
A study was conducted to examine the molecular basis of feed utilization efficiency. Feed costs constitute about 70% of the production cost. Improvement in feed efficiency will produce efficient birds, increase profitability and reduce manure output. From a global gene expression study using microarray methodology, it was established that genes in the Insulin like growth factor (IGF) pathway including IGF binding protein 5 (IGFBP5), platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGFB), interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), melanocortin 5 receptor (MC5R) and tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF) super family (TNFSF1B) affected feed efficiency. In a divergent line selected for phytate phosphorus bioavailability, insulin was found to be associated with feed consumption and feed conversion ratio in both lines. These genes can be used in further development of genetic markers which can be used in marker assisted selection.