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Submitted
October 25, 2025
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October 30, 2025
Published
November 25, 2025
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Abstract

Broodiness is a natural reproductive behavior that plays a vital role in the success of hatching and maternal care in indigenous chickens. This behavior is governed by a complex interaction between endocrine and genetic factors, with the prolactin (PRL) gene serving as a key regulator. The prolactin hormone encoded by the PRL gene stimulates broody behavior, temporarily suppresses egg production, and enhances the maternal instinct to remain on the nest. Genetic variation in the PRL gene polymorphism is associated with the differences in the intensity and frequency of brooding behavior between chicken breeds and local populations. Specific alleles of the PRL gene are associated with increased broodiness, while others are linked to reduced expression and weakened maternal behavior. Studies on Indonesian local chickens demonstrate a significant upregulation of PRL expression during the brooding phase, confirming its central role in the regulation of reproductive behavior. These findings suggest that the PRL gene holds strong potential as a molecular marker in genetic selection programs. Through marker-assisted selection, breeders can maintain strong broody traits for natural hatching or suppress them to enhance egg productivity. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the structure, function, and genetic variability of the PRL gene provides a crucial foundation for developing adaptive, efficient, and sustainable breeding programs for indigenous chickens.

Keywords

Prolactin Gene Indigenous Chickens Broodiness Gene Expression Genetic Selection

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Copyright (c) 2025 Woki Bilyaro, Arif Rahman Azis, Muhammad dani, Teguh Rafian, Dhini Nova Widyasari, Nurazizah Ramadhanti, Rizky Amrullah Chaniago, Anggun Marisa, Virna Maharani Dwipassa

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