The changes of some blood constituents during the initial post‐hatching period in chickens

Synopsis

The blood total ketone body level of chickens was found to be high at the time of hatching but to decrease markedly after ingestion and metabolism of a carbohydrate‐type diet.

The blood ketone body level was maintained at approximately the day‐old chicken level by feeding a high fat, digestible carbohydrate‐free diet. By comparing the level of blood constituents in chickens fed such a diet with those in chickens fed a high‐carbohydrate, low‐fat diet, the absence of a relationship between blood total ketone body levels and blood reduced glutathione levels during the initial post‐hatching period was demonstrated.