THERMOREGULATION IN YOUNG FOWL (GALLUS-DOMESTICUS)

The initial responses of the 3 wk old fowl to cold (10.degree. C) include an increase in metabolic rate and the mobilization of both carbohydrate and lipid stores; the former are utilized but not the latter. Evidence is presented that the initial lipolysis is largely a non-specific response to the stressors of handling and cold. After 24 h exposure to cold, liver and muscle glycogen stores, plasma glucose and lactate concentration had returned to normal; plasma glucagon-like immunoreactivity and free fatty acids remained significantly elevated.