Changes In Stress Markers And Thermoregulatory Response Of Broilers, Noilers, And Native Chickens To Transportation Stress

Abstract

The present study evaluated the changes in stress markers and the thermoregulatory response of broilers, noilers, and native chickens to transportation stress. A total of 45 chickens of three breeds (matured native chicken, noiler chicken, and broiler chicken) were used in this study and each breed had 15 chickens respectively and the breeds served as the treatments. The chickens were randomly placed in the transportation crates in a completely randomized design. The birds' rectal temperature (RT) and body temperature (BT) were measured before, during, and after transportation. Five (5) ml of blood was collected from the wing vein of five birds of the three strains, respectively, chosen randomly, into sample bottles/tubes for haematological and changes in the evaluation of stress markers. Data obtained from the study was subjected to a one-way analysis of variance.  The result showed that the body temperature of the broiler before, during, and after transportation was significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of noiler and the local chicken. Cortisol concentration in the broilers was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than cortisol levels in the noilers and Local chickens. Cortisol levels recorded after transportation were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than before. Most of the haematological parameters of the three breeds of birds significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased after transportation. The values of the stress markers were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in the Broiler and Noiler chickens than in the Local chickens. After transportation, the serum glucose of the noiler significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased while the calcium and sodium decreased. It was concluded that broilers were susceptible to transportation stress at a short distance while noilers and local chickens were prone to transportation stress at a longer duration.