Identification of potential candidate genes and regulatory pathways related to reproductive capacity in hypothalamus and pituitarium of male ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) by differential transcriptome analysis.

Individual reproductive capacity is crucial to poultry breeding and reproduction. The hypothalamus­pituitarium­gonad (HPG) axis is an important pathway regulating animal spermatogenesis and sexual behavior. This study identified the neuroactive ligand­receptor interaction pathway as the potential biological pathway regulating the semen quality and sexual behavior by differential transcriptome analysis of the hypothalamus and pituitarium of male ducks. Genes including proopiomelanocortin (POMC), complexin 2 (CPLX2), hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 2 (HAPLN2), early growth response 4 (EGR4), tox high mobility group box family member 3 (TOX3), and muts homolog 4 (MSH4) were identified as key candidate genes affecting the HPG axis. Our findings provide new insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying reproductive performance in male poultry and offer a reference for breeding programs aimed to improve reproductive performance in ducks.