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Endocrine changes in the fowl during infection with Eimeria maxima
Research in Veterinary Science
|May 1, 1985
Summary
Eimeria maxima infection in fowl alters thyroid hormones and prolactin. While infection decreases thyroxine (T4), pair-feeding impacts corticosterone, highlighting distinct physiological responses to infection and food restriction in poultry.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Eimeria maxima is a significant protozoan parasite affecting poultry health.
- Nutritional status and parasitic infections can independently influence endocrine function in birds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Eimeria maxima infection and pair-feeding on plasma hormone concentrations in immature domestic fowl.
- To differentiate the endocrine responses to parasitic infection versus food restriction.
Main Methods:
- Immature domestic fowl were divided into three groups: Eimeria maxima infected, pair-fed (uninfected, restricted food intake), and ad libitum fed (control).
- Plasma concentrations of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), prolactin, growth hormone, and corticosterone were measured.
Main Results:
- Eimeria maxima infection led to decreased plasma T4, while pair-feeding increased T4 at minimal food intake.
- Both infection and pair-feeding reduced plasma T3 concentrations.
- Plasma prolactin increased with infection but not with pair-feeding.
- Growth hormone levels remained unaffected by treatments.
- Plasma corticosterone significantly increased in pair-fed birds but not in infected birds.
Conclusions:
- Eimeria maxima infection and food restriction elicit distinct endocrine profiles in fowl.
- Thyroid hormone and prolactin levels are sensitive indicators of parasitic infection, while corticosterone reflects the stress of food restriction.