EP0516278A1 — Use of anti-mullerian hormone for reversal of female sexual phenotype in poultry

USPTO Abstract

Fertilized poultry embryos are treated with fowl antimullerian hormone which may function as an aromatase inhibitor and may also have a trophic effect on developing gonads. Fertilized poultry embryos are also treated with steroid biosynthesis inhibitors or antagonists which prevents the conversion of androgens to estrogens, and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH). By blocking the production of estrogens and enhancing the gonads the genotypic female is converted into a phenotypic male. The phenotypic conversion of females to males gives the treated birds the advantage of male growth characteristics. A single administration of the combination prior to about day 9 of embryonic incubation results in an irreversible change in sexual phenotype which results in enhanced weight gain and feed efficiency.