Seasonal acclimatisation in the hen

Abstract

1. The oxygen consumption and body temperature of White Leghorn × Rhode Island Red laying hens, which were being kept in a semi‐natural climate, were periodically measured for short periods at ambient temperatures between 2 and 32 °C in a suitable chamber.

2. A seasonal shift was observed in lower critical temperature (Tc) and thermoneutral oxygen consumption. The slope of the relationship between oxygen consumption and air temperature at less than Tc was not discernibly affected by season.

3. The seasonal shifts correlated best with mean daily outside temperature Ta) during the experimental periods; a seasonal decrease of 10 °C in Ta was associated with a decrease of 8.5 °C in Tc and a 12% increase in thermoneutral oxygen consumption.

4. The capacity to maintain body temperature stability at extremes of environmental temperature was improved by acclimatisation to heat.