Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
08:26
Nucleofection and In Vivo Propagation of Chicken Eimeria Parasites
Published on: February 14, 2020
Electrolyte diets, stress, and acid-base balance in broiler chickens
H A Olanrewaju1, J P Thaxton, W A Dozier
1USDA/ARS, South Central Poultry Research Laboratory, Mississippi 39762, USA. holanrewaju@msa-msstate.ars.usda.gov
Poultry Science
|June 19, 2007
Summary
High dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) in broiler chickens partially attenuated stress responses to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). High DEB diets improved acid-base balance and reduced negative impacts of ACTH, supporting broiler chicken health.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition and Physiology
- Avian Metabolism and Endocrinology
Background:
- Dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) influences acid-base homeostasis in broiler chickens.
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration simulates stress, impacting physiological parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of two DEB levels (moderate and high) on acid-base balance in broiler chickens under ACTH-induced stress.
- To evaluate the interaction between DEB and ACTH administration on physiological and blood parameters.
Main Methods:
- Broiler chickens were fed diets with moderate (174 mEq/kg) or high (241 mEq/kg) DEB.
- Birds received either ACTH infusion or saline solution via osmotic pumps.
- Blood samples were collected at various time points to analyze acid-base status, electrolytes, corticosterone, and hematological parameters.
Main Results:
- High DEB diets increased plasma Na(+) and Ca(2+) levels.
- ACTH administration significantly altered acid-base balance, increasing hematocrit, hemoglobin, pCO(2), corticosterone, and HCO(3)(-), while decreasing pH, pO(2), Na(+), and Cl(-).
- High DEB diets partially mitigated the effects of ACTH, notably on pCO(2) and pO(2), and attenuated the overall stress condition.
Conclusions:
- Dietary electrolyte balance plays a crucial role in modulating stress responses in broiler chickens.
- High DEB diets can partially counteract the physiological disturbances induced by ACTH, suggesting a potential nutritional strategy for managing stress in poultry.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Acid-Base Balance
The human body maintains a narrow pH range regulated through acid-base balance. This balance is crucial as changes in the hydrogen ion concentration can disrupt cell membrane stability, alter protein structures, and change enzyme activities. The normal pH of arterial blood is 7.4, venous blood and interstitial fluid is 7.35, and intracellular fluid averages 7.0.
When the pH of arterial blood rises above 7.45, it results in a condition called alkalosis. Conversely, a drop below 7.35 leads to...
When the pH of arterial blood rises above 7.45, it results in a condition called alkalosis. Conversely, a drop below 7.35 leads to...
01:29Roles of Electrolytes: Chloride and Bicarbonate
Chloride ions contribute to the osmotic pressure gradient distinguishing the intracellular fluid (ICF) from the extracellular fluid (ECF). They counterbalance positively charged ions in the ECF and ensure its electrochemical stability. The renal system's process of chloride absorption and release generally mirrors that of sodium ions.
Conditions such as hypochloremia can arise from insufficient chloride reabsorption by the kidneys, often compounded by extended bouts of diarrhea, vomiting, or...
Conditions such as hypochloremia can arise from insufficient chloride reabsorption by the kidneys, often compounded by extended bouts of diarrhea, vomiting, or...
01:29Disorders of Acid-Base Balance
The human body maintains a precise pH range of arterial blood between 7.35 and 7.45. Deviations result in either acidosis (pH < 7.35) or alkalosis (pH > 7.45). These conditions are further classified as respiratory or metabolic disorders based on their underlying cause.
Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO2 in the blood. It often arises from shallow breathing or impaired gas exchange caused by...
Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO2 in the blood. It often arises from shallow breathing or impaired gas exchange caused by...
01:29Renal Regulation of Acid-Base Balance
Metabolic reactions in the body produce nonvolatile acids, such as sulfuric acid, which generate an acid load of approximately 1 mEq of H+ per kilogram of body weight daily. Excreting H+ in the urine is essential to balance this acid load.
In the kidneys, cells within the proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) and the collecting ducts secrete hydrogen ions (H+) into the tubular fluid. Specifically, in the PCT, Na+/H+ antiporters secrete H+ while reabsorbing Na+.
However, the intercalated cells in...
In the kidneys, cells within the proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) and the collecting ducts secrete hydrogen ions (H+) into the tubular fluid. Specifically, in the PCT, Na+/H+ antiporters secrete H+ while reabsorbing Na+.
However, the intercalated cells in...
01:33Introduction to Electrolytes
In humans, electrolytes play a vital role in various physiological processes. Balancing electrolyte levels is essential for normal body functions; their imbalance can be life-threatening. The major electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate. They are primarily involved in physiological processes, such as nerve signal transmission, membrane trafficking, muscle contraction, buffering body fluids, and balancing water levels in the body.
Role of Sodium
One...
Role of Sodium
One...
01:31pH Homeostasis
Acid-base homeostasis is essential for maintaining normal physiological activities in humans. The pH of various body fluids is strictly regulated because it is critical for the optimal activity of enzymes involved in metabolic reactions. Enzymes are basically proteins, so, any significant change in pH can affect their structure and activity. In humans, pH is regulated using three primary mechanisms— chemical buffer systems, respiratory regulation, and renal regulation.
Respiratory Regulation of...
Respiratory Regulation of...