The effect of multiple ACTH injections on certain biochemical parameters in Yellow Hungarian laying hens

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of blood metabolites in response to repeated ACTH injections in Yellow Hungarian laying hens. A total of 36 laying hens aged 56 weeks were divided into two groups. Control group (9 hens) were given 0.2 cm3 saline and experimental group (27 hens) were given 20 IU/kg adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) for four consecutive days into the thigh muscle. Blood samples were obtained on Day 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4. After the cessation of ACTH or saline, blood samplings were continued on Day 5, 7, 9 and 11. Mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation (CV%) were calculated from levels detected in each individual, for each parameter investigated. Multiple range tests were used to determine significant differences between control and experimental groups. Glucose (26.7 mmol/l) and cholesterol level (4.1 mmol/l) increased in short time after ACTH treatment but values returned to the range of the control (12.6 mmol/l és 2.6 mmol/l) after the cessation of ACTH treatment as triglyceride (16.3 g/l) and protein content (60.0 g/l) increased and decreased slowlier after the ACTH administration (13.5 g/l and 51.8 g/l). The obtained set of results from the Yellow Hungarian breed can serve as reference values to evaluate harmful stress effects in the future.