Stress, strains and resistance¹

This lecture, the 12th given in memory of the late Dr R. F. Gordon was delivered at the World Poultry Science Association Spring Meeting, Scarborough, on the 23rd of March, 1994.

Abstract

1. Stress describes the bird's defence mechanisms and a stressor is the situation that elicits the defence response.

2. As the environment can be viewed as a composite of interacting stressors, the bird's success in coping with its environment depends on the severity of the stressors and the physiological ability to respond properly and thus maintain homeostasis.

3. The neural, endocrine and more recently immune systems are considered to be integrators of the stress response. Although stress responses may be necessary for survival in wild bird populations, they are often detrimental to efficient growth, skeletal integrity and disease resistance in domesticated fowl.

4. Stress responses are modified by the genetic components.

Notes

This lecture, the 12th given in memory of the late Dr R. F. Gordon was delivered at the World Poultry Science Association Spring Meeting, Scarborough, on the 23rd of March, 1994.