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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Mississippi State, Mississippi » Poultry Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #208882
Title: Influence of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-infusion on acid-base balance and blood physiological variables in broiler chickens.

Author
item Olanrewaju, Hammed
item Branton, Scott

Submitted to: Feedinfo News Service
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/3/2007
Publication Date: 12/3/2007
Citation: Olanrewaju, H.A., Branton, S.L. 2007. Influence of ACTH-infusion on acid-base balance and blood physiological variables in broiler chickens.. Feedinfo News Service. 3:1-4.

Interpretive Summary: Genetic selection has been a main factor in growing broilers to heavier weights more efficiently. However, poultry has become more sensitive to stress as a result of this rapid growth. In addition to welfare concerns, stress is responsible for considerable economic losses, such as reduction in body weight gain and high mortality. The effect of acid-base balance on the different metabolic processes of poultry is currently an issue of discussion among researchers and poultry producers worldwide. The physiological responses of acid-base balance in broiler chickens to stressors vary tremendously depending on the type of environmental factors. From a practical perspective, this review article focuses on understanding the effects of physiological stress on acid-base balance in poultry and its subsequent impact on poultry producers.

Technical Abstract: Genetic selection has been a primary factor in growing broilers to heavier weights more efficiently. However, the genetic potentiality of poultry may not be utilized fully due to environmental constraints. The combination of external conditions (biological and physiological) such as weather and climate can affect poultry production and physiological responses. The environmental factors (e.g. air, temperature, humidity, light, disease, social, and sound) usually are those external conditions, which are found in the bird’s microenvironment. Poultry industries try to minimize or eliminate the deleterious effects of such changes by behavioral and physiological adjustments, which are collectively referred to as the stress response. Poultry producers need to control these factors so that the bird can maintain normal physiological functions and produce meat or eggs at its maximum rate and efficiency. If the factors that affect the birds’ physiological performance are not kept within proper limits, then the environment is considered a stressor that may alter metabolic electrolytes and acid-base status. These stressors can negatively affect chick growth performance, feed intake and efficiency, and physiological status.