Sex and the single chicken

Abstract

This paper discusses results from some recent studies that point to the existence of fundamental differences between males and females in metabolism of energy. It is apparent that gender can influence the digestive capacity of chickens through endogenous energy losses, gut structure and function, and metabolic activity of gut microflora. This raises the question “Is there sexual dimorphism in other physiological and biochemical systems also?” There are important scientific and commercial implications should such differences exist. Firstly, future research should include an examination of any gender-related influences. Secondly, the commercial implications are that males and females may have different nutrient requirements, and may respond differently to feed additives such as prebiotics, probiotics and feed enzymes. Hence, single-sex feeding and management programs may be desirable for optimisation of growth, carcass yield and carcass composition within each sex.