Variaiton in the composition of small molecule compounds in the egg yolks of Asian Short-toed Larks between early and late broods

The egg yolks of birds contain most of the maternally derived materials required for embryo development and are an important factor influencing embryo development and offspring viability.Individual variation in egg-laying date frequently occurs in passerines inhabiting highly seasonal environments.Females laying in early and late stages of the breeding season encounter different environment temperatures and food conditions,which can affect the levels of metabolities in their bodies,thereby altering the transmission of these materials to the eggs.We test a hypothesis that yolk small molecule compounds of Asian Short-toed Lark(Alaudala cheleensis)could vary between early(mid-May)and late(mid-June)broods.Using the UHPLC-MS/MS method,683 compounds belonging to 21 compound groups are detected in the yolks.The contents of 18 compounds are significantly different between early and late broods.Ten differential compounds are significantly higher in the early laid eggs,among whichγ-aminobutyric acid,creatine,prostaglandins,palmitoleic acid,linoleic acid,and trans linoleic acid are related to low environment temperature response.The eggs laid in late stage exhibit significantly higher levels of 5-L-glutamyl-L-alanine andγ-glutamate-leucine,1,3-dimethyluric acid and mannose,which may be attributed to females in the late group consuming more insects.We suggest conducting a comprehensive investigation to reveal the yolk small molecule compounds mediated maternal effects on offspring phenotypes under varying ecological conditions.

Effects of Probiotics and Enzyme Preparation on Cholesterol, Triglyceride and Serum ALT and POD in Egg Yolks

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of probiotics and enzyme preparation on cholesterol,triglyceride and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and peroxidase (POD) in egg yolks.[Methods]Forty eight 450-day-old Hyline brown hens were randomly divided into 4 groups with 3 replicates in each group and 4 individuals in each replicate.Group 1 as the control check (CK) group was fed the basal diet;group 2 was fed the basal diet with the addition of 150 g/t of probiotics;group 3 was the basal diet +200 g/t lipase group;and group 4 was fed the basal diet with the addition of 150 g/t of probiotics and 200 g/t of lipase.The preliminary trial period was 10 d,and the trial period was 30 d.[Results]The contents of cholesterol and triglyceride in the egg yolks of the test groups supplemented with the probiotics and enzyme preparation were higher than those of the CK.On the 14^th day of treatment,the cholesterol contents in the egg yolks of group 2 and group 4 were significantly higher than that of group 1 ( P <0.05).On the 28^th day of treatment,the contents of cholesterol and triglyceride in the egg yolks of the three test groups were significantly higher than those in group 1 ( P <0.05).There were no significant differences in serum ALT and POD between various groups ( P >0.05).[Conclusions]The addition of probiotics and enzyme preparations to the feed of laying hens can increase the contents of cholesterol and triglyceride in egg yolks,without significantly affecting serum ALT and POD.

Correlation Between Cholesterol Content in Egg Yolks and Laying Rate

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between cholesterol content in egg yolks and laying rate of laying hens.[Methods]Forty eight 450-day-old Hyline brown hens with uniform weight were randomly divided into 4 groups with 3 replicates in each group and 4 individuals in each replicate.Group 1 as the control check group(CK)was fed the basal diet;group 2 was fed the basal diet with the addition of 150 g/t of probiotics;group 3 was the basal diet+200 g/t lipase group;and group 4 was fed the basal diet with the addition of 150 g/t of probiotics and 200 g/t of lipase.The preliminary trial period was 10 d,and the experimental period was 30 d.[Results]The cholesterol content in the egg yolks of each test group was higher than that of the control group at 14 and 28 d after the drug administration.The laying rate of each test group began to increase at 14 d after the drug administration;and the laying rate of each test group increased significantly 28 d after the drug administration.It indicated that with the increase of cholesterol in egg yolks,the laying rate of laying hens increased significantly.[Conclusions]This study provides a certain experimental basis for culture production of laying hens.

Antibodies to Newcastle Disease Virus in Egg Yolks of Great Cormorant (<i>Phalacrocorax carbo</i>) at Qinghai Lake

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is not considered as cause of serious disease in humans. But, recent data make it clear that, under particular circumstances, it is indeed possible for NDV to cause severe human respiratory disease. Newcastle Disease infection has been reported in many bird species. Cormorants that inhabit at the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau are mainly represented by Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis), which is distributed mainly on the Qinghai Lake area. Cormorants are considered as one of the main NDV-reservoir. We conducted the study for the presence of antibodies to Newcastle disease virus by hemagglutination inhibition test in yolks. We got 50% of seropositive yolks to Newcastle disease virus. These results show that NDV circulates in the Qinghai Lake population of cormorants. We first used the technique of detection of antibodies to Newcastle disease virus in the egg yolk for study the circulation of the virus in cormorants and demonstrated its effectiveness. We should carefully monitor cases of pneumonia in the population of people living around the lake and assess the causes of the disease.

Investigation of Two Precipitation Methods for Extracting Immunoglobulin Y(IgY)from Egg Yolks

Two groups of hens(control and immunization group)were arranged in an experimental design with an immunization schedule of 3 injections of BSA antigen.IgY antibodies were extracted from egg yolks by two precipitation processes(chloroform and polyethylene glycol precipitates)and quantified using a standard curve of protein concentration.The purification of IgY was confirmed by SDS-PAGE.Total protein extracted from egg yoks were less contaminated with yellow pigments(lutein and zeaxanthin)nd by using chloroform precipitate.The 2 week post-immunization,IgY-1 concentration increased respectively to 3903±726μg.ml(chloroform-1 extraction process)and 2937±294μg.ml(PEG extraction process)(P<rd 0.01).After 3 immunization,IgY level obtaining from in immunization group extracted by chloroform process(6633±1166μg.ml-1)increased 2.7 times higher than that in control group(2482±414μg.ml-1).Whereas IgY concentrations obtained from PEG extraction process were not significantly different between the experimental group and control group.Chloroform and PEG precipitation methods had the same protein profile on the SDS-PAGE.IgY antibody was identified by the presence of bands corresponding with IgY heavy chain(67-70 kDa)and IgY light chain(25 kDa)for both precipitation processes.

Integrative cross-species transcriptome analysis reveals earlier occurrence of myelopoiesis in pre-circulation primates compared to mice

Hematopoiesis originates in the yolk sac,which forms prior to the establishment of blood circulation and exhibits distinct developmental processes between primates and mice.Despite increasing appreciation of yolk sac hematopoiesis for its lifelong contribution to the adult hematopoietic system and its regulatory roles in organogenesis,cross-species differences,particularly before the onset of blood circulation,remain incompletely understood.In this study,we constructed an integrative cross-species transcriptome atlas of pre-circulation hematopoiesis in humans,monkeys(Macaca fascicularis),and mice.This analysis identified conserved populations between primates and mice,while also revealing more differentiated myeloid,erythroid,and megakaryocytic lineages in pre-circulation primates compared to mice.Specifically,SPP1-expressingmacrophageswere detected in primates before the onset of blood circulation but were absent in mice.Cell-cell communication analysis identified CSF1+extraembryonic mesoderm cells as a potential supportive niche for macrophage generation,with ligand-receptor interactions between macrophages and other cell populations in the human yolk sac.Interestingly,pre-circulation SPP1+macrophages exhibited hallmark signatures reminiscent of a macrophage subset that positively regulates hematopoietic stem cell generation.Our findings provide a valuable cross-species resource,advancing our understanding of human pre-circulation yolk sac hematopoiesis and offering a theoretical basis for the regeneration of functional blood cells.

Yolk free egg substitute improves the serum phospholipid profile of mice with metabolic syndrome based on lipidomic analysis

In this study,the impacts of egg consumption on mice model of metabolic syndrome(Met S)were comparatively investigated.Mice were divided into five groups(n=8):normal diet group(ND),high-fat diet group(HFD),HFD with whole egg group(WE),HFD with free-yolk egg substitute group(YFES),and HFD with lovastatin group(Lov).Main biochemical indexes and a non-targeted lipidomic analysis were employed to insight the lipid profile changes in serum.It was revealed that WE could significantly improve serum biochemical indexes by reducing body weight,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and total cholesterol(TC),while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.YFES exhibited remarkably better performance in increasing phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidic acids,while decreasing phosphatidylinositol than WE.A total of 50 differential lipids biomarkers tightly related to glycerophospholipids metabolism were screened out.Carnitine C18:2 and C12:1,SM(d18:0/12:0),and SM(d18:1/14:1)were significantly upregulated in YFES compared to WE.YFES reduced expression of SREBP-1c and Cpt1a,while did not affect the expression of PPAR-α.Sphingomyelin biomarkers were positively related to the TC(|r|>0.6),while PPAR-αwas negatively correlated with triglyceride and LDL-C levels.To sum up,YFES attenuated HFD-induced Met S by improving the serum phospholipids,which account for its modulation of glycerophospholipid metabolism.

Twin fetuses associated with double amniotic sacs diagnosed using transvaginal ultrasonography:A case report

BACKGROUND Conjoined twins are a rare twin malformation commonly presenting as single amniotic sac twinning,with double amniotic sac twinning being extremely rare and poorly reported.Most conjoined twins are females.CASE SUMMARY A woman of childbearing age conceived naturally,and at 8 wk of gestation,transvaginal ultrasonography showed an embryo and cardiac tube pulsation in both amniotic sacs.On dynamic observation,the two embryos were connected in the lower abdomen,with restricted movement.A repeat transvaginal ultrasound at 11 wk showed that the intestinal tubes of both fetuses were connected in the lower abdomen.The pregnancy was terminated and labor was induced.CONCLUSION Transvaginal ultrasound may detect conjoined twin malformations in an early stage.Our case provides diagnostic insights for ultrasonographers and can help develop early therapeutic interventions.

Primary Study of Egg Yolk Antibody for Detection of King Cobra Venom Antigens

Aim To study whether antivenom from laying hens can be used for the detection of venom antigens, Methods Chickens （white Leghorn） were immunized with detoxicated king cobra venom by formaldehyde and egg yolk immunoglobulin （IgY） isolated from yolk; IgY was labelled with the horseradish peroxidase （HRP）. Experimental condition and parameters were determined by chessboard test. The specificity, sensitivity, precision, and stability of this method were assayed in the experiment. Results This method could detect as low as 32 μg· L^-1 of the king cobra antigens. A good linear relation was found within 32 ～ 750 μg· L^-1 of king cobra venom concentrations （ r = 0. 963）. There was no cross reactivity for the reagents with Agkistrodon acutus Guenther venom or Vipera russelli siamensis Smith venom;slight cross reactivity .with Bungarus multicinctus Blyth venom or Bungarus fasciatus Chmeider venom; and notable cross reactivity with cobra venom. The average intra-assay relative standard deviation （RSD） was 1% - 3%, and the inter-assay RSD was less than 8%. The reagents （including IgY and HRP-IgY） were stable; no differences （P 〉 0.05） were observed for the detection of venom antigens when the reagents were stored at 37 ℃ up to 6 d. Conclusion IgY is a good reagent for diagnosis of snakebite after eliminating the genus cross reactivity.

Application of high-titred IgY antibodies in orthopox virus diagnostics

Layer chickens were immunized with three species of inactivated orthopox virus （vaccinia virus, calpox virus and cowpox virus）. Antibodies （IgY） were purified from egg yolks by improved polyethylene glycol precipitation. The development of IgY directed against orthopox virus antigens was followed by immunofluorescence assay, plaque reduction neutraliztion test and immunoelectron microscopy. Cross-reactivity of two IgY antibodies with cells infected by the different strains of the pox viruses was also investigated by different methods （immunofluorescence assay, plaque reduction neutraliztion test and Western blot）. Even in very high dilutions in immunofluorescence assay （titres up to 1：10^6 and 1：10^5, respectively） and persisted on a plateau over 10 months after four booster injections, it was showed that anti-vaccinia virus IgY and anti-calpox virus IgY were positive. Neutralizing activity and ultra-structural detection of antigen with gold-labelled antibodies were respectively observed in plaque reduction neutralization test and immunoelectron microscopy. Western blot analysis revealed specific binding of IgY to virus proteins. Thus, there was cross-reactivity between different orthopox viruses. Finally, orthopox virns-specific IgY antibodies bounded magnetic beads （Dynabead） were used to concentration of orthopox viruses. This study suggests that anti-pox virus IgY could serve as a useful tool for orthopox viruses diagnosis.

Alternatives to antibiotics as growth promoters for use in swine production:a review

In the past two decades, an intensive amount of research has been focused on the development of alternatives to antibiotics to maintain swine health and performance. The most widely researched alternatives include probiotics, prebiotics, acidiflers, plant extracts and neutraceuticals such as copper and zinc. Since these additives have been more than adequately covered in previous reviews, the focus of this review will be on less traditional alternatives. The potential of antimicrobial peptides, clay minerals, egg yolk antibodies, essential oils, eucalyptus oil-medium chain fatty acids, rare earth elements and recombinant enzymes are discussed. Based on a thorough review of the literature, it is evident that a long and growing list of compounds exist which have been tested for their ability to replace antibiotics as feed additives in diets fed to swine. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these compounds produce inconsistent results and rarely equal antibiotics in their effectiveness. Therefore, it would appear that research is still needed in this area and that the perfect alternative to antibiotics does not yet exist.

Protection of Carassius auratus Gibelio against infection by Aeromonas hydrophila using specific immunoglobulins from hen egg yolk

Specific immunoglobulin (IgY) from egg yolk against Aeromonas hydrophila was produced by immunization of White Leghorn hens with formalin-killed whole cells of A. hydrophila. ELISA test using A. hydrophila as the coating antigen revealed that the specific antibody titer started to increase in the egg yolk at the 13th day post-immunization (P/N=2.18), reached the peak at the 56th day (P/N=13.82), and remained at high level until day 133 (P/N=7.03). The antibody was purified by saturated ammonium sulphate with a recovery rate of 63.5%. The specific IgY inhibited the growth of A. hydrophila at a concentration of 1.0 mg/ml during the 18 h incubation. Pre-treatment of polyploid gibel carps Carassius auratus Gibelio with specific IgY had a protection rate of 60% (6/10) against challenge with A. hydrophila, while none of the fishes in the control groups receiving sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or non-specific IgY survived the challenge. Treatment of fishes with the specific IgY 4 h after the challenge also had lower mortality (70%, 7/10), a 30% reduction against the control PBS or non-specific IgY groups (10/10). These results indicate that specific IgY antibodies could be obtained easily from hens immunized with an inactivated A. hydrophila and could provide a novel alternative approach to control of diseases in fishes caused by this organism.

Chicken egg yolk antibodies (IgY) as non-antibiotic production enhancers for use in swine production： a review

In recent years, the use of in-feed antibiotics for growth and disease prevention in livestock production has been under severe scrutiny. The use and misuse of in-feed antibiotics has led to problems with drug residues in animal products and increased bacterial resistance. Chicken egg yolk antibodies （IgY） have attracted considerable attention as an alternative to antibiotics to maintain swine health and performance. Oral administration of IgY possesses many advantages over mammalian IgG such as cost-effectiveness, convenience and high yield. This review presents an overview of the potential to use IgY immunotherapy for the prevention and treatment of swine diarrhea diseases and speculates on the future of IgY technology. Included are a review of the potential applications of IgY in the control of enteric infections of either bacterial or viral origin such as enterotoxigenic Escherichia coil, Salmonella spp., rotavirus, porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus, and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus. Some potential obstacles to the adoption of IgY technology are also discussed.

2D hierarchical yolk-shell heterostructures as advanced host-interlayer integrated electrode for enhanced Li-S batteries

Lithium sulfur(Li-S)batteries hold great promising for high-energy-density batteries,but appear rapid capacity fading due to the lack of overall and elaborated design of both sulfur host and interlayer.Herein,we developed a novel two-dimensional(2D)hierarchical yolk-shell heterostructure,constructed by a graphene yolk,2D void and outer shell of vertically aligned carbon-mediated MoS2 nanosheets(G@void@MoS2/C),as advanced host-interlayer integrated electrode for Li-S batteries.Notably,the 2D void,with a typical thickness of^80 nm,provided suitable space for loading and confining nano sulfur,and vertically aligned ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets guaranteed enriched catalytically active sites to effectively promote the transition of soluble polysulfides.The conductive graphene yolk and carbon mediated shell sufficiently accelerated electron transport.Therefore,the integrated electrode of G@void@MoS2/C not only exceptionally confined the sulfur/polysulfides in 2D yolk-shell heterostructures,but also achieved catalytic transition of the residual polysulfides dissolved in electrolyte to solid Li2S2/Li2S,both of which synergistically achieved an extremely low capacity fading rate of 0.05%per cycle over 1000 times at 2C,outperforming most reported Mo based cathodes and interlayers for Li-S batteries.2D hierarchical yolkshell heterostructures developed here may shed new insight on elaborated design of integrated electrodes for Li-S batteries.

Design and Synthesis of Cu@CuS Yolk–Shell Structures with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

Non-spherical Cu@Cu S yolk–shell structures are successfully obtained using Cu_2 O cube templates in a process combining rapid surface sulfidation followed by disproportionation of the Cu_2 O core upon treatment with a hydrochloric acid solution. By employing the above method,Cu@Cu S yolk–shell structures with different morphologies,including octahedral, truncated octahedral, and cuboctahedral shapes, can be synthesized. The void space within the hollow structures provides a unique confined space, where the metallic copper present in the core of a shell can be protected from agglomeration and oxidation. Furthermore,the presence of metal copper in these hollow structurescontributes to improvement in the photocatalytic properties of these materials. The application of these Cu@Cu S structures indeed shows clearly improved photocatalytic performance.

Lipid transport to avian oocytes and to the developing embryo

Studies of receptor-mediated lipoprotein metabolic pathways in avian species have revealed that physiological intricacies of specific cell types are highly analogous to those in mammals. A prime example for the power of com- parative studies across different animal kingdoms, elucidated in the chicken, is that the expression of different lipo- protein receptors in somatic cells and oocytes are the key to oocyte growth. In avian species, yolk precursor transport from the hen＇s liver to rapidly growing oocytes and the subsequent transfer of yolk nutrients via the yolk sac to the developing embryo are highly efficient processes. Oocytes grow from a diameter of 5 mm to 2.5-3 cm in only 7 days, and the yolk sac transfers nutrients from the yolk stored in the mature oocyte to the embryo within just 2 weeks. The underlying key transport mechanism is receptor-mediated endocytosis of macromolecules, i.e., of hepatically synthesized yolk precursors for oocyte growth, and of mature yolk components for embryo nutrition, respectively. Recently, the receptors involved, as well as the role of lipoprotein synthesis in the yolk sac have been identified. As outlined here, lipoprotein degradation/resynthesis cycles and the expression of lipoprotein receptors are not only coordinated with the establishment of the tbllicular architecture embedding the oocyte, but also with the generation of the yolk sac vasculature essential for nutrient transfer to the embryo.

Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Survival of Patients with Rare Malignant Ovarian Yolk Sac Tumors:A Population-based Analysis

Yolk sac tumors (YSTs) are rare malignant germ cell tumors that usually affect youngfemales. To date, there have been few studies on YSTs. We evaluated the relationship betweenclinicopathologic characteristics of patients with ovarian YSTs and disease outcome based onSurveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data. The K aplan-Meier method and log-rank testwere used to evaluate differences in survival rates. Data for 269 patients were analyzed. Theincidence of YSTs among ovarian germ cell tumors (OGCTs) cases was 0.4%;median patient agewas 22.0 years, and most tumors were unilateral. Patients presented with distant metastasis (37.5%),localized disease (49. 1%), and regional spread (8.9%). American Joint Committee on Cancer stagewas available for 13 patients (stage IA, n=2;stage IC, n=1;stage IA, n=1;stage IB, n=3;stageIlC, n=2;and stage IV, n=4). Survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 91.0%, 84.0%, and 83.2%,respectively, for overall survival (OS) and 92.0%, 85.4%, and 84.5%, respectively, for disease-specific survival (DSS). The 5-year OS and DSS of patients with ovary tumors were 91.5% and92.9%, respectively, compared to 74.8% and 77.2%, respectively, for those with extra-ovarianspread (P<0.001 for both OS and DSS). Age >50 years was associated with shorter OS and DSS(both P<0.001), whereas no associatios of OS and DSS were observed with pathologic grade (P=0.49for OS and 0.52 for DSS). In summary, YSTs are typically unilateral, of a high grade, and localizedto the ovary;extra-ovarian spread has a poor outcome, and postmenopausal women have worseprognosis than premenopausal women.

The role of low-density lipoprotein （LDL） and high-density lipoprotein （HDL） in comparison with whole egg yolk for sperm cryopreservation in rhesus monkeys

Low-density lipoprotein （LDL） extracted from hen egg yolk has recently been considered to be superior to whole egg yolk in sperm cryopreservation of various animal species. Meanwhile, there was a notion that high-density lipoprotein （HDL） in egg yolk may have a negative effect on post-thaw survival. The role of LDL and HDL in sperm cryopreservation of rhesus monkeys has not been explored. The present study evaluates their effect in comparison with egg yolk with or without the addition of permeable cryoprotectant （glycerol） on sperm cryopreservation of rhesus macaques. In addition, various additives intended to change the lipid composition of LDL-sperm membrane complex have also been tested for their effectiveness in preserving post-thaw viability. Our findings indicated that LDL is the main component in egg yolk that is responsible for its protective role for sperm cryopreservation in rhesus monkeys. Regardless of the presence or absence of glycerol, the protective role of LDL is similar to that of egg yolk and we did not observe any superiority in post-thaw survival with LDL when compared to egg yolk. Modifying the lipid composition of LDL-sperm membrane complex with the addition of cholesterol, cholesterol loaded cyclodextrin and phosphatidylcholine also did not yield any improvements in pest-thaw survival; while addition of methyl-β-cyclodextrin reduced post-thaw motility. HDL plays a neutral role in sperm cryopreservation of rhesus monkeys. The present study suggests that egg yolk may still hold advantages when compared with LDL as effective components in extenders for sperm cryopreservation in rhesus monkeys.

Facile Approach to Synthesize Gold Nanorod@Polyacrylic Acid/Calcium Phosphate Yolk–Shell Nanoparticles for Dual-Mode Imaging and pH/NIR-Responsive Drug Delivery

A facile strategy to fabricate gold nanorod@polyacrylic acid/calcium phosphate(Au NR@-PAA/Ca P) yolk–shell nanoparticles(NPs) composed with a PAA/Ca P shell and an Au NR yolk is reported. The asobtained Au NR@PAA/Ca P yolk–shell NPs possess ultrahigh doxorubicin(DOX) loading capability(1 mg DOX/mg NPs), superior photothermal conversion property(26%)and p H/near-infrared(NIR) dual-responsive drug delivery performance. The released DOX continuously increased due to the damage of the Ca P shell at low p H values. When the DOX-loaded Au NR@PAA/Ca P yolk–shell NPs wereexposed to NIR irradiation, a burst-like drug release occurs owing to the heat produced by the Au NRs. Furthermore,Au NR@PAA/Ca P yolk–shell NPs are successfully employed for synergic dual-mode X-ray computed tomography/photoacoustic imaging and chemo-photothermal cancer therapy. Therefore, this work brings new insights for the synthesis of multifunctional nanomaterials and extends theranostic applications.

The regulation of IMF deposition in pectoralis major of fast-and slow-growing chickens at hatching

Background： The lipid from egg yolk is largely consumed in supplying the energy for embryonic growth until hatching. The remaining lipid in the yolk sac is transported into the hatchling＇s tissues. The gene expression profiles of fast-and slow-growing chickens, Arbor Acres（AA） and Beijing-You（BJY）, were determined to identify global differentially expressed genes and enriched pathways related to lipid metabolism in the pectoralis major at hatching.Results： Between these two breeds, the absolute and weight-specific amounts of total yolk energy（TYE） and intramuscular fat（IMF） content in pectoralis major of fast-growing chickens were significantly higher（P 〈 0.01,P 〈 0.01, P 〈 0.05, respectively） than those of the slow-growing breed. IMF content and u-TYE were significantly related（r = 0.9047, P 〈 0.01）. Microarray analysis revealed that gene transcripts related to lipogenesis, including PPARG, RBP7, LPL, FABP4, THRSP, ACACA, ACSS1, DGAT2, and GK, were significantly more abundant in breast muscle of fast-growing chickens than in slow-growing chickens. Conversely, the abundance of transcripts of genes involved in fatty acid degradation and glycometabolism, including ACAT1, ACOX2, ACOX3, CPT1 A, CPT2, DAK, APOO, FUT9, GCNT1,and B4 GALT3, was significantly lower in fast-growing chickens. The results further indicated that the PPAR signaling pathway was directly involved in fat deposition in pectoralis major, and other upstream pathways（Hedgehog, TGFbeta, and cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction signaling pathways） play roles in its regulation of the expression of related genes.Conclusions： Additional energy from the yolk sac is transported and deposited as IMF in the pectoralis major of chickens at hatching. Genes and pathways related to lipid metabolism（such as PPAR, Hedgehog, TGF-beta, and cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction signaling pathways） promote the deposition of IMF in the pectoralis major of fast-growing chickens compared with those that grow more slowly. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying lipid metabolism and deposition in hatchling chickens.