EVALUATION OF THE MODULATORY ROLE OF SUPPLEMENTAL TAURINE ON RHYTHM OF CLOACAL TEMPERATURE IN BROILER CHICKENS DURING HOT-DRY SEASON

Abstract

An experiment was designed to study the modulatory effect of supplemental taurine on rhythm of cloacal temperature in male broiler chickens of different ages during the hot-dry season. Twenty, 21- day old Arbor Acre male broiler chickens balanced for weight served as subjects and were assigned ten each to control (Cgp) and treatment (Tgp) groups in a completely randomized design. The broiler chickens in the Tgp were offered drinking water supplemented with taurine at a dose rate of 0.1% and the control Cgp had access to only clean drinking water both ad libitum in addition to their standard diets from day 21 to 42 of the study period. Body temperatures from each group were taken from the cloacae of broiler chickens on a four-hourly basis during a 24 h period on scheduled days 28, 35 and 42. The collected data was fitted into the single cosinor application, results showed cloacal temperature (CT) exhibited clear circadian rhythmicity in both groups. Taurine significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the mesors of CT. The acrophases in both groups were restricted to the photophase, however, taurine advanced the acrophases of CT. It was concluded taurine modulated the rhythms of CT and this effect may ameliorate heat-stress during the hot-dry season. The results may be beneficial in combating oxidative stress in broiler chickens during this season.