Changes in insulin, glucose and GH concentrations in fed chickens

Abstract

The concentrations of insulin, glucose and growth hormone were examined in chickens during the fed and fasted states. In broiler chickens between 5 and 7 weeks of age, blood samples were drawn at intervals which reflected fed (−4 hr), fasted (+0 min) and post meal states (+15 min, immediately after a 15 min meal (and +30 min). Plasma was assayed using a chicken insulin standard in a heterologous RIA. Overall insulin averages, reflecting averaged values for 10 birds/day and 5 replications revealed a decrease with fasting and an increase post-meal. Insulin levels returned to pre-fasted concentrations within 15 min of meal termination. Changes in glucose concentrations correlated with those of insulin with the exception of the +30 min period. When insulin levels were observed in chickens where no food was consumed, insulin levels at +0 and +15 min were not different. No difference in GH concentration occurred at −4 hr, +0 or +15 min but the +30 min value increased ( p<0.05).