HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Olanrewaju, H. A. Articles by Branton, S. L. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Olanrewaju, H. A. Articles by Branton, S. L.

Electrolyte Diets, Stress, and Acid-Base Balance in Broiler Chickens¹

H. A. Olanrewaju^*,2, J. P. Thaxton, W. A. Dozier, III^* and S. L. Branton^*

^* USDA/ARS, South Central Poultry Research Laboratory, Mississippi State, MS 39762; and Department of Poultry Science, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State 39762-9665

² Corresponding author: holanrewaju{at}msa-msstate.ars.usda.gov

We compared the acid-base balance in broiler chickens provided diets containing 2 dietary electrolyte balances (DEB), and administered with either adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or saline solution. Diets were moderate (174 mEq/kg) or high (241 mEq/kg) DEB formulated by altering Na-K-Cl based on actual analysis. The experiment was designed as a split plot, with the main unit consisting of 4 treatments and the factorial treatment structure arranged in a completely randomized design. Osmotic pumps delivered 8 IU of ACTH in saline/kg of BW per d for 7 d, or the same saline volume as used in ACTH at 1 µL/h for 7 d was implanted on d 35. Venous blood samples were collected on d 35 before the pumps were implanted and on d 42 and 49. Birds fed the high DEB diet exhibited significantly higher Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ levels than birds provided the moderate DEB diet on d 35. Infusion of ACTH significantly increased (P 0.05) hematocrit, hemoglobin, partial pressure of CO₂ (pCO₂), corticosterone, osmolality, and HCO₃^– and reduced pH, BW, partial pressure of O₂ (pO₂), and plasma concentrations of Na⁺ and Cl^– in both diets compared with the control group on d 42. Similarly, the ACTH treatment significantly increased hematocrit, hemoglobin, Ca²⁺, corticosterone, and osmolality and reduced (P 0.05) pO₂, glucose, and BW on d 49. The diet formulated for high DEB partially lowered pCO₂ on d 42. Significant DEB x ACTH interactions were observed for pCO₂ and pO₂ on d 49. However, there was a reduction in pO₂ along with a concomitant increase in erythropoiesis under the ACTH treatment for both diets, compared with the saline control, because of the increased need for O₂ to support gluconeogenic energy production. This adaptive response provided greater numbers of erythrocytes and thus a higher amount of circulating hemoglobin to deliver O₂ for metabolism. The diet formulated for high DEB partially attenuated the adaptive stress condition in broiler chickens.

Key Words: electrolyte diet • acid-base balance • stress • adrenocorticotropic hormone • broiler

¹ Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the USDA.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				H. A. Olanrewaju, J. P. Thaxton, W. A. Dozier III, J. Purswell, S. D. Collier, and S. L. Branton Interactive Effects of Ammonia and Light Intensity on Hematochemical Variables in Broiler Chickens Poult. Sci., July 1, 2008; 87(7): 1407 - 1414. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]