I am running a trial to evaluate the effect of graded levels of some phytobiotics (black pepper, papaya seeds etc) in diets for broiler chicks during starter period on the activities of some immune enzymes (Catalyze, Superoxide dismutase and Glutathione peroxidase). I also wish to study the effects on the dietary treatments relative to the control the effects on stress response. I am thus seeking suggestions on easy, efficient and practical methods to stress 5 week old broilers so that I may evaluate the stress responses via serum cortisol concentration (if practicable).
Could anyone please suggest to me a method that they adopted or are familiar with that is practicable? I will cite the work if it is already in the literature.
Thank you.
Hi Mohammed,
One standard avian stress test is restraint in a loose, opaque bag. We have seen moderately increased cort with a variety of other acute stressors:
Article Heart rate and behavior are regulated independently of corti...
and crowding stress is effective, and ethologically relevant as well:
Article Behavioral, physiological, and endocrine responses of starli...
Broilers are often used for heat stress studies, but that tends to be a chronic application.
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