Food and Water Intake of Broiler Chicks as Affected by Intracerebroventricular Injections of Cholinomimetics

Abstract

The effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of the cholinomimetics, acetylcholine, methacholine, and carbachol on food and water intake in free-feeding broiler chicks were investigated. At 4 weeks of age, a 23-gauge, thin-walled stainless steel guide cannula was implanted stereotaxically into the right lateral ventricle of each bird. Following a minimum of 3 days to recover, the birds were injected with the various drugs. Acetylcholine and methacholine had no significant effect on food intake whereas carbachol significantly decreased food intake. Methacholine significantly increased water intake while acetylcholine and carbachol had no significant effect. These results suggest that cholinergic pathways within the central nervous system may be involved in the control of food and water intake in the domestic fowl.