Myocardial beta-adrenergic receptor characteristics in T(3)-induced ascites and in broiler lines differing in ascites susceptibility.

The present study was designed to investigate the myocardial beta-adrenergic receptor characteristics in T3-induced ascites in two genetic lines of broilers, in order to look for possible involvement of myocardial beta-adrenergic receptors in the development of broiler ascites syndrome. Myocardial membrane fractions were prepared from 6 and 8 week old chickens fed a 1.5 parts/10(6) T(3) supplemented diet from day 1 in order to increase ascites incidence.

The prophylactic effect of vitamin C supplementation on broiler ascites incidence and plasma thyroid hormone concentration.

In a two-factorial experiment, 420 1-day-old male commercial broiler chickens were randomly divided and fed a basal diet with or without vitamin C (500 parts/10(6)). Half of the birds within each group receiving the same kind of feed were fed a T(3 )supplemented diet from day 1, in order to increase the ascites incidence. Weekly body weight and feed intake were measured.