Effects of transportation on body weight loss, renal morphology and acid-base balance in broilers.

Abstract

1. Transport under thermoneutral conditions may affect body weight, physiological and biochemical variables, electrolyte balance, acid-base status and renal function in broilers. Therefore, this study investigated how different transport distances affect body weight loss, physiological changes, oxidative stress, electrolyte levels and renal responses in broilers.2. Fifty broilers were randomly divided into five groups and transported over distances of 0, 50, 100, 150 or 200&#x2009;km. Body weight, physiological and biochemical variables, blood electrolytes, acid-base balance and renal changes were measured.3. Broilers transported for 200&#x2009;km had significantly more body weight loss than those transported for 0 and 50&#x2009;km (&#x2009;&#x2009;<&#x2009;&#x2009;0.05). Respiratory rate significantly increased at 50&#x2009;km (&#x2009;&#x2009;<&#x2009;&#x2009;0.05) and blood sodium was higher at 150 and 200&#x2009;km than at 0&#x2009;km (&#x2009;&#x2009;<&#x2009;&#x2009;0.05). Blood pH was lowest at 0&#x2009;km, while bicarbonate was lowest at 200&#x2009;km (&#x2009;&#x2009;<&#x2009;&#x2009;0.05).4. Kidney congestion score increased with distance, with the highest score at 200&#x2009;km (&#x2009;&#x2009;<&#x2009;&#x2009;0.05). Scores for 0 and 50&#x2009;km transport were significantly lower than those at 100, 150 and 200&#x2009;km (&#x2009;&#x2009;<&#x2009;&#x2009;0.05). Renal tubular dilation scores were significantly higher at 50 and 150&#x2009;km than at 0, 100 and 200&#x2009;km (&#x2009;&#x2009;<&#x2009;&#x2009;0.05).5. These results demonstrated that transportation, even under thermoneutral conditions, can still induce alterations in physiological and renal functions in broilers. Longer transport distances exacerbate these effects, underscoring the need for improved methods to reduce stress and support broiler welfare.