Thermoregulation and acid-base status in the panting dehydrated fowl

Abstract

This is the first study to report on thermoregulation and acid-base regulation in dehydrated and heat-exposed fowls. The dehydrated fowls (ca. 15% weight loss) panted at lower-than-normal panting frequencies, resulting in a reduced evaporative water loss and a relative hyperthermy. However, body temperature was effectively regulated below lethal levels, and heart rate remained stable. Oxygen consumption was slightly increased compared with normal hydration, when related to ambient temperature. However, when related to body temperature, a lower metabolism was evident at the higher range. Tidal and minute volumes were closely regulated, contributing to the avoidance of extreme acid-base disturbances. Arterial pH level indicated a relative metabolic acidosis compared with normal hydration. However, acid-base regulation during heat exposure had not deteriorated despite the lower arterial PCO2, due to a compensatory decrease in HCO-3 concentration. The inhibited evaporative cooling and the relative hyperthermy suggest a reduced responsiveness of the central regulatory system, possibly through an elevated hypothalamic set point. In spite of these changes, regulation of body temperature and acid-base status were not impaired.