NEWS 22 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 Leptin is an anorexigenic hormone that plays a key role in regulating food intake, ovarian development, and reproduction in mammals. However, its physiological role in birds remains less understood, compared to mammals. A significant knowledge gap exists between leptin levels and reproductive processes in layer and broiler parent stock chickens. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms could aid in optimizing sustainable global meat and egg production, particularly in challenging conditions like nutrient-deficient environments, where the reproductive efficiency may be compromised. Against this backdrop, Dr. Sadequllah Ahmadi and Dr. Takeshi Ohkubo from the College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, Japan, conducted a comprehensive review of leptin’s influence on female reproduction in birds, focusing on early folliculogenesis and ovarian development, and compared these mechanisms with those observed in mammals. This review was published in Volume 62 of The Journal of Poultry Science on February 6, 2025. “In mammals, leptin is secreted by the adipocytes and its role has been clearly elucidated. However, in birds, leptin is primarily expressed in the brain and gonads with its mechanisms being unclear. A deeper understanding of leptin’s role in reproduction could help improve reproductive efficiency and sustainability in poultry production,” says Dr. Ahmadi, as the motivation behind the study. In mammals, leptin is secreted primarily by adipose tissue, which then circulates in the blood stream, signaling energy sufficiency to the brain and regulating the secretion of reproductive hormones like luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. On the other hand, in birds, leptin is expressed locally in the brain, especially in the pituitary glands and gonads, and not secreted by adipocytes. Read more>> Skretting unveiled the launch of the next generation of its flagship shrimp feeds: Lorica and Optiline. These products are the first in the Skretting shrimp portfolio to feature EDGEOS PhytoComplexes developed by Nutreco Exploration, the company’s team of experts specialising in plant and bacteria research, and the development of proprietary ingredients that have never been used in animal feed. The company highlights these EDGEOS PhytoComplexes as a synergistic blend of bioactive compounds derived from whole plants, specific plant parts—such as leaves, flowers, or stems—or combinations thereof, designed to address animal health and performance. The shrimp industry is evolving rapidly, against a backdrop of technological change, trade disruptions, increased sustainability focus, and various health challenges. In this dynamic environment, achieving consistent growth and survival is critical for producers worldwide. The new versions of Lorica and Optiline, Skretting points out, are designed to support farm productivity, and thanks to the inclusion of PhytoComplexes, will offer increased efficacy compared to their predecessors. Read more>> Research explores leptin’s role in bird reproduction Skretting unveils next-gen Lorica and Optiline shrimp feeds Photo: Freepik Photo: Skretting
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