Differences in ventricular vulnerability, serum enzyme activities, and electrolyte levels between male and female...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Physiology
• Avian Health

Background:

• Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) poses a significant threat to fast-growing broiler chickens.
• Decreased ventricular function is a potential cause of SDS incidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the underlying mechanisms of sexual dimorphism in broiler susceptibility to SDS.
• To compare ventricular vulnerability, serum enzyme activities, and electrolyte levels between male and female broilers.

Main Methods:

• Measurement of ventricular fibrillation thresholds via KCl injection and electrical stimulation.
• Assay of serum enzyme activities, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).
• Analysis of serum electrolyte concentrations (potassium, sodium, chloride).

Main Results:

• Male broilers demonstrated significantly lower ventricular fibrillation thresholds than females, indicating higher ventricular vulnerability.
• Serum LDH and CK activities were significantly elevated in males compared to females; AST levels showed no significant difference.
• No significant variations in serum potassium, sodium, or chloride levels were found between sexes.

Conclusions:

• Significant sexual differences exist in broiler ventricular vulnerability and serum enzyme profiles.
• These physiological disparities may contribute to the heightened sensitivity of male broilers to stress-induced myocardial injury and SDS.