Plasma glucagon and energy substrate responses of domestic fowl to treadmill exercise

Exercise-induced alterations in the concentrations of plasma glucagon-like immunoreactivity (GLI), plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and blood glucose and lactate were measured in separate groups of male and female domestic fowl. There were only small changes in blood glucose and lactate concentrations but plasma FFA and GLI rose by up to 450 and 200% respectively. There was evidence that the GLI response was stronger at higher exercise intensities. It is suggested that the mobilization of FFA for use as energy substrates by the working muscles may be stimulated by the enhanced secretion of glucagon.