Meleagris gallopavo breed:Converter Raw sequence reads

Avian species can store sperm in specialized structures called sperm storage tubules (SSTs) of the oviduct for extended periods of time, though the mechanisms that allow for sperm survival are currently unknown. In addition, little is known about how poultry industry practices, such as artificial insemination, impact the biological functions of these specialized structures. SST function directly relates to hen fertility rates, which is important for poultry industry efficiency. To further understand how artificial insemination and the presence of sperm impact SST function, we isolated SSTs from turkey hens at one, thirty, and ninety days following three treatments: (1) Control: hens were not artificially inseminated, (2) Sham: hens were artificially inseminated with a sham treatment containing sperm extender but no sperm, or (3) Semen: hens were artificially inseminated with sperm extender containing sperm. Isolated SSTs were subjected to RNA sequencing to gain a global view of gene expression changes due to artificial insemination and the presence of sperm. In the semen-inseminated SSTs, increased expression of reproductive pathways, cellular structure and metabolism, and pH regulation of the oviduct were observed. In the sham-inseminated SSTs, increased expression of immune pathways and non-reproductive endocrine hormones were observed. Results from this study are important for understanding how SSTs function to preserve sperm, and how these functions are impacted by industry practices.