The respiratory responses of the fowl to hot climates

Abstract

Respiratory rate (f) and tidal volume (VT) have been measured at normal and at warm ambient temperatures (Ta) in adult domestic fowl by means of a whole body plethysmograph. Resting values of f = 23 +/- 9 min-1 and of VT = 25.6 +/- 0.9 ml min-1 were found. At Ta 30, 35 or 40 degrees C f increased in direct relation to the severity of the heat stress reaching a maximum values of 273 +/- 12 min-1; VT fell uniformly in all three climates to a minimum of 9.0 +/- 0.5 ml. Total ventilation (V) showed a linear relation with f during first-phase panting. Second-phase panting occurred only at Ta 40 degrees C; V increased at first but subsequently fell as the decline in f became more pronounced.