The relation of physical stress to serum cholesterol levels of selected blood group genotypes in the domestic fowl

Abstract

The effects of protein and energy level of the rearing diet on the serum cholesterol level of female chickens was determined. Females reared from 8 to 23 weeks of age on a diet containing 16% protein had a significantly lower serum cholesterol level than those reared on an 18% protein diet. The feeding of 947 or 1,003 Calories of productive energy in conjunction with varying protein levels produced no significant differences in serum cholesterol levels. No significant differences in serum cholesterol levels were observed between females maintained at densities of 1,393, 696 and 464 cm² per bird during the laying period. Females reared on 12 and 14% protein diets had significantly lower serum cholesterol levels than those fed 18% protein in the 1,393 cm² density group. At the 696 cm² per bird density, the females on 18% protein diets had significantly lower serum cholesterol levels than birds reared on 12% diets. In the 464 cm² per bird density group, the birds reared on a 16% protein diet had significantly lower serum cholesterol levels than birds reared on 12, 14 and 18% protein diets. ...