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Physiological Changes to Transient Exposure to Heat Stress Observed in Laying Hens

^* Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 68583

² Corresponding author: mbeck1{at}unl.edu

Hy-Line W-36, W-98, and Brown hens lay approximately the same number of eggs/hen housed to 80 wk; however, little is known about differences in performance during heat stress (HS). Two experiments were performed. The first experiment evaluated intestinal calcium uptake (CaT), heat shock protein-70 (HSP70) liver expression, and endocrine status in the 3 strains under heat stress in response to 1 h of transient exposure to high temperature before onset of 18 h of HS. The second experiment evaluated the differences between W-36 and W-98 in acid-base status observed at 2 different ambient temperatures. The HSP70 and CaT data were analyzed as a completely randomized design (CRD) using a 3 x 2 factorial with strain as a 1 factor and preexposed and control treatments as the other. Estrogen and progesterone data were analyzed as a CRD using repeated measures in a 3 x 2 x 2 factorial with strain as a the first factor, preexposure and control treatments as the second factor, and phase of blood collection as the third factor. The data of the second experiment were analyzed as a CRD using repeated measures in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial with strain, temperature, and phase of blood collection as the factors. The method applied in both experiments was based on the mixed model (SAS). The results show a strain effect, with the higher CaT in the W-36. The results indicated that transient exposure to HS did not induce changes in HSP70 liver expression. In the second experiment, the blood gas values did not differ between strains, except for the partial pressure of CO₂, in which the values at 22°C are higher for the W-36. At 38°C, there was an increase in blood pH and a reduction in HCO₃^– in both strains. The results indicate that endocrine, acid-base status, and Ca homeostasis represent important factors to be considered in assessing genetic differences for thermotolerance.

Key Words: laying hen • heat stress • reproductive hormone • heat shock protein • acid-base status

¹ Present address: Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.