The effect of arginine vasotocin on blood volume, plasma protein and electrolyte concentrations in the cockerel, gallus domesticus

Synopsis

The effect of arginine vasotocin (AVT), 0.1 μg/kg body weight, on blood volume, plasma protein and Na+ and K+ concentrations was investigated in New Hampshire cockerels. Significant increases in blood volume were observed 45 and 90 min following AVT. The plasma protein concentration decreased significantly after 4 h. The plasma Na⁺ concentration significantly increased while that of K+ decreased after 1 h. Significant changes in electrolyte concentrations were found up to 4 h following the AVT administration.