Use of a hypobaric chamber as a model system for investigating ascites in broilers

In a series of experiments, broilers were reared at simulated altitudes of 3000, 3500, and 5000 meters utilizing a hypobaric chamber. The purpose was to evaluate the chamber as a model for ascites syndrome and to further study the pathophysiology of this disease. Results show that this model can effectively reproduce the disease as it is seen in the field. Birds reared at the simulated altitude of 5000 meters had a statistically significant increase in EKG amplitude, packed cell volume, and heart-to-body-weight and lung-to-body-weight ratios when compared with controls reared at 366 meters. Additionally, there was a trend for birds dying of ascites to have larger-amplitude EKGs than survivors when reared at 5000 meters.