The effect of cold stress on the fasted, water-deprived, neonate chicken ( Gallus domesticus)

Abstract

1. 1.|One-day old chicks were exposed to cold (4h at 10°C) and their growth measured in the following 3 weeks. Changes in plasma enzymes and metabolites were followed during exposure and recovery. 2. 2.|Cold-exposed females were smaller at 4, 8 and 11 days of age but not thereafter. Growth of males was unaffected. 3. 3.|Growth of gastrocnemius muscle was not affected by the exposure; the pectoralis was smaller only in 7- and 21-day old chickens. 4. 4.|Increased plasma lactate dehydrogenase activity indicated transient changes in muscle membrane permeability during exposure and for 8 h afterwards. Plasma creatine kinase activity was not changed. 5. 5.|Cold exposure caused hypoglycaemia, hyperuricacidaemia and the depletion of hepatic and muscle glycogen stores. Hepatic glycogen and plasma uric acid concentrations were restored after 4 h recovery.