The Effect of Heat Exposure on Plasma Uric Acid, Lactate Dehydrogenase, Chloride, Total Protein and Zinc of the Broiler

Abstract

The Technicon sequential multiple analysis system was used to measure plasma uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase, chloride, and total protein of 8 week old broilers exposed for 4 weeks and 9 week old broilers exposed for 4 hours to both 18–22°C. and 33–35°C.Broilers exposed for 4 weeks to 18–22°C. had a significant higher (P < 0.05) level of total protein than those exposed to 33–35°C. (3.6 vs. 3.3 gm. %). Plasma zinc analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry was found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the broilers exposed to 18–22°C. for 4 weeks (303 vs. 208 μ g./ml.) Broilers exposed for 4 hours to 33–35°C. had significantly (P < 0.05) higher plasma levels of uric acid (6.7 vs. 5.5 mg. %), lactate dehydrogenase (399 vs. 328 mU./ml.) and chloride (114 vs. 111 meq./L.) than sham treated broilers maintained at 18–22°C. Body temperature was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the 33–35°C. 4-week exposed broilers than in the birds maintained a t 18–22°C. (42 vs. 41°C. mean rectal temperature). In the 33–35°3. 4 hour exposed broilers body temperature was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in the sham treated broilers (42 vs. 41°C).