Abstract
Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the system of calcium homeostasis in birds. The importance of Ca 2+ in controlling a variety of metabolic functions in the body, ranging from muscle contraction to blood coagulation is reviewed. The Ca 2+ participates together with inositol phosphates in the mediation of hormone action in the target cell, including the regulation of secretion of several hormones. Although over 99% of body calcium is contained in the skeleton, the metabolic priority of the organism is the maintenance of a constant concentration of calcium in plasma and extracellular fluids, at the expense of bone calcification and in extreme conditions by the net breakdown of skeletal material. Thus, the relatively insoluble calcium phosphates of bone serve as a calcium reservoir to be utilized during need. This function of bone is particularly prominent in female birds during reproduction. The regulation of Ca 2+ concentration in body fluids is achieved through the action of a complex feedback control system which includes several subsystems and regulating hormones.
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