Comparative Analysis of Hsp 70 and Hsp 90 Expression in Association With Growth Performance and Physiological Response of Commercial Broiler and Improved Indigenous Strains Under Eimeria Tenella Challenge

This study evaluated the effects of coccidial infection, sex, and strain on growth performance, physiological response, and heat shock protein ( HSP 70 and HSP 90 ) expression in chickens raised in a tropical environment. Five strains (Arbor Acres, Hubbard, Marshall, Noiler, and FUNAAB Alpha) were inoculated with Eimeria tenella at three weeks of age. Results showed that male chickens had higher growth performance, while non-infected birds had superior weight gain, daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. Infected birds had lower growth performance. Physiological responses, such as heart rate and rectal temperature, varied between morning and evening. HSP 70 and HSP 90 expression differed between sexes and strains. Female birds had higher HSP 70 expression, while male birds had higher HSP 90 expression. The Marshall strain had higher HSP 70 expression, while the FUNAAB-Alpha strain had higher HSP 90 expression. The study concludes that exotic strains had better growth performance but poor tolerance to stress and Eimeria tenella infection, while improved indigenous strains had better coping mechanisms and health status. These findings can inform breeding plans that harness the potentials of local strains for better performance under stress and disease conditions.