Model of physiological stress in chickens 5. Quantitative evaluation

Area of Science:

• Animal Physiology
• Stress Physiology
• Avian Biology

Background:

• Physiological stress significantly impacts broiler health and productivity.
• Accurate assessment of stress responses is crucial for optimizing animal welfare and agricultural outcomes.
• Existing models for studying stress in broilers have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel model for inducing and quantifying physiological stress in broilers.
• To evaluate a comprehensive set of 42 adaptive response parameters.
• To identify key indicators of stress in broiler chickens.

Main Methods:

• A continuous release model of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) was employed to induce physiological stress.
• A treatment response ratio (ACTH/CON or CON/ACTH) was calculated for each parameter.
• P-values were transformed, and a stress score was computed (treatment response ratio × P-value transformation).
• Parameters were categorized into morphologic, endocrine/blood metabolites, digestion/metabolism, and reticuloendothelial responses.

Main Results:

• The study evaluated 42 adaptive response parameters to physiological stress.
• The endocrine and blood metabolites category exhibited the highest average stress response.
• Five of the top ten most sensitive stress parameters were within the endocrine and blood metabolites category.

Conclusions:

• The novel ACTH-induced stress model provides a robust method for evaluating physiological stress in broilers.
• Endocrine and blood metabolite parameters are highly indicative of physiological stress in this species.
• This research offers valuable insights for improving broiler welfare and management strategies.