Response of broilers to hyperthermic stress following treatment with a new cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor

Two trials were conducted using broiler chickens to test the efficacy of pretreatment with Banamine, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, on various heat stress indices. Significant differences were found in peripheral prostaglandin F (PGF) levels between immature male and female broilers with pullets having a higher concentration. Females also had less mortality during the hyperthermic challenge, which was independent of medication treatment. Confinement and transport of male broilers resulted in elevated levels of PGF, which were markedly lowered near the time of heat stress death. All levels of Banamine appeared to give some measure of protection against heat stress in male broilers as evidenced by higher survival rates and longer survival times.