Stress of transportation for broilers
Freeman, B.M.; Kettlewell, P.J.; Manning, A.C.; Berry, P.S.
Veterinary Record 114(12): 286-287
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 6719773 Document Number: 237693
Transportating birds by road for two to four hours over distances of up to 224 km (140 miles) induced hyperlipacidaemia (free fatty acids) and hypoglycaemia while the concentration of plasma cholesterol decreased and then increased significantly. These responses were the same in summer and winter. Body temperature was not affected by the experimental conditions. There was a consistent increase in plasma corticosterone which was greater in winter than in summer.