Heart Rate of the Domestic Fowl

Abstract

THE heart rate of the adult domestic fowl has not been measured except in a few isolated physiological experiments where comparisons have been made during growth (Bogue, 1933) or with other species (Buchanan, 1910). These studies have not been sufficiently complete to enable one to given even approximate figures for the common breeds or for the sexes of the same breed. This has been partially due to the fact that the rate is difficult to determine with the stethoscope because of its rapidity, and because special equipment must be employed and this has not been generally available. During recent years the electro-cardiotachometer, developed mainly for the study of the rate of the human heart, has been modified by several investigators making it possible to measure the rapid heart rate of small animals. A summary of previous recorded heart rates of the domestic fowl is given in Table 1. Bogue (1932) . . .