![]() ![]() The Growth and Development of Poultry Feathers Feather Structureįeathers, which are unique epidermal structures originating from epidermal cells of the ectoderm, have a complex and fine structure. Therefore, investigating the feather morphogenesis and development, signal transduction pathways, and effective nutrient interventions of poultry is of great economic significance. However, in the commercial production of poultry, plumage defects often occur, such as feather pecking, molting, and inadequate body coverage ( Bajpai et al., 2016 Coton et al., 2019). Thus, bad feather growth reduces the net profitability of poultry production ( Lopez-Coello, 2003 Zeng et al., 2015). ![]() Poor feather growth not only affects the appearance of the organism but also decreases the uniformity of the carcass and feed efficiency. The feather growth rate, quality and patterns of molting are important to the production of a high value poultry carcass ( Guo, 2011). In modern commercial poultry production, the quantity and quality of feathering in both broilers and layers are gaining increased attention. This work may help to develop novel mechanisms by which follicle stem cells can be manipulated to produce superior plumage that enhances poultry carcass quality. ![]() This review focuses on our understanding of the signaling pathways involved in the transcriptional control of feather morphogenesis and explores the impact of nutritional factors on feather growth and regeneration in poultry. Additionally, exogenous nutrient intervention can affect the feather follicle cycle, promote the formation of the feather shaft and feather branches, preventing plumage abnormalities. While these pathways regulate feather morphogenesis in different stages, their dysregulation results in a low feather growth rate, poor quality of plumage, and depilation. To date, the roles of the Wnt, Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP), Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathways in the regulation of feather growth and regeneration are among the best understood. Feather follicle stem cells are the basis for driving feather development and are regulated by various molecular signaling pathways in the feather follicle microenvironment. The normal growth and regeneration of feathers is important for improving the welfare and economic value of poultry.
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