Effect of adrenal blocking chemicals on the responses of chickens and turkeys to environmental stressors and ACTH.

Abstract

An adrenal blocker, 1,1dichloro-2,2-bis/p-chlorophenyl/ethane, was most effective when given intramuscularly, at a dose rate of 16 or 14 mg/kg of body weight, the technical or reagent chemical, respectively (P<0.001). The optimal dose for meryrapone was 500 mg/kg feed. Following exposure to a variety of Stressors treated chickens and turkeys had heterophil/lymphocyte ratios which were lower than those of the uninjected controls. The optimal doses were effective over a wide range of body weights (0.35 to 5.2 kg). Blocking began within 12 h after injection and lasted for at least 77 days. Repeated doses were not additive. Blockers did not suppress body weight gain. The magnitude of the blocking effect increased with increasing H/L ratios among the controls and was ineffective in unstressed chickens.

• Authors: W B Gross
• Journal: Avian pathology : journal of the W.V.P.A (Avian Pathol) Vol. 19 Issue 2 Pg. 295-304 (Apr 1990) ISSN: 0307-9457 [Print] England
• PMID: 18679939 (Publication Type: Journal Article)