The fuelling capacity of migratory birds and their ability to avoid health conditions derived from the subsequent fat overload are exceptional among vertebrates. In this work, we screen the expression of the genes involved in the production of ketone bodies (KB) in the liver of northern wheatears (Oenanthe oenanthe) during the development and resolution of migratory fattening. Thirteen genes were found to be regulated among the migratory stages. Based on the dynamics of gene expression, we concluded that KB play a versatile role in wheatears' energy metabolism homeostasis. The ketogenic pathway can adaptively: (i) provide carbon equivalents for lipogenesis, speeding up fuelling; (ii) replace glucose during long-distance flights using lipids as the substrate; (iii) act as a floodgate to avoid steatosis; and (iv) might provide a metabolic solution to defatting in captive birds.

候鸟的供能能力以及避免因随后的脂肪超载而导致健康状况的能力在脊椎动物中是特殊的。在这项工作中，我们筛选了北方麦穗（ Oenanthe oenanthe）肝脏在迁移性育肥的发育和解决过程中参与酮体（KB）产生的基因的表达。发现有 13 个基因在迁移阶段受到调节。基于基因表达的动态，我们得出结论，KB 在小麦的能量代谢稳态中发挥着多种作用。生酮途径可以适应性地：（i）为脂肪生成提供碳当量，加速燃料供给；(ii) 在长途飞行中使用脂质作为底物替代葡萄糖；(iii) 充当避免脂肪变性的闸门；(iv) 可能为圈养鸟类的脱脂提供代谢解决方案。