生殖道（特别是输卵管）健康是蛋鸡高效生产优质产品的保证。输卵管黏膜免疫作为机体抵御外界病原微生物入侵生殖道的第一道屏障，对维持蛋鸡生殖生理稳定和保障蛋源食品安全具有重要的作用。锌具有重要的免疫调节功能，能提高黏膜免疫功能。因此，通过锌营养调控蛋鸡输卵管免疫机能的研究具有重要理论和实践指导意义。本项目计划通过改善蛋鸡锌营养状况、提高输卵管免疫功能，实现延长蛋鸡产蛋周期的目的。首先比较研究不同生理阶段蛋鸡锌消化吸收功能以及体内分布的差异等锌营养状况与蛋鸡免疫功能的联系；开展日粮锌营养水平和/或不同化合物锌对蛋鸡输卵管免疫机能和健康状况的调控作用，揭示锌营养影响蛋鸡输卵管黏膜免疫的分子机制。然后，运用siRNA技术干扰关键基因和调控通路，研究锌是否通过ZnR/GPR39-A20调控输卵管黏膜上皮免疫及其通路的分子机制。

The health of reproductive tract (especially oviduct) is the guarantee for efficient production of high quality products. Oviduct mucosal immune system of laying hens is the first effective barriers for microorganisms and actively participate in maintaining the stability of the reproductive physiology and the food safety of the eggs. Zinc (Zn) was shown an important function in immunity, and can improve mucosal immune function. Therefore, it has important theoretical and practical significance to study the regulating effects of Zn on oviduct mucosal immune function in layer hens. The purpose of this project is to prolong the cycle of laying hens through enhancing the oviduct mucosal immune function by improving Zn nutritional status. At first, we will study the relationship between the Zn nutritional status (including difference in Zn digestion and absorption function, and the distribution of Zn in tissues) and immune function of layer hens. Next, we will study the effects of dietary Zn level and/or Zn source on the immune function and health status of the oviduct in laying hens, and its related molecular mechanism. Lastly, we will study whether the effects of Zn on oviduct mucosal immune function is through ZnR/GPR39-A20 and the molecular mechanism by using siRNA technology to interfere the key genes and the related signal molecule.