Maturational changes in T4 to T3 conversion in domestic fowl

The in vivo conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) has been determined in fed and 24 hr-fasted thyroidectomized cockerels at 4, 7, 13 and 23 weeks of age. The conversion of T4 to T3 in pubertal (13-week-old) and adult (22-week-old) cockerels was greater than that in immature (less than 7-week-old) chicks. The deprivation of food for 24 hr markedly reduced the rate of T4 to T3 conversion, especially in immature chicks. These maturational changes in T4 to T3 conversion may be related to differences in metabolic rate.