Molecular Signaling and Nutritional Regulation in the Context of Poultry Feather Growth and Regeneration

The document from January 2020 reviews the molecular signaling pathways and nutritional factors that influence feather growth and regeneration in poultry. It explains the roles of signaling pathways such as Wnt, BMP, Notch, and SHH in regulating feather follicle stem cells and how dysregulation can lead to poor feather quality. The review also discusses the importance of nutrients like proteins, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins for feather development, with specific emphasis on the roles of dietary crude protein, sulfur-containing amino acids, zinc, selenium, and vitamins B and D3. The document concludes that while the molecular mechanisms of nutrient regulation on feather growth are not fully understood, further research could lead to improved methods for enhancing plumage coverage in commercial poultry.