Glycemia and insulinemia concentrations in four-weeks-old male and female broilers and their relationship to weight

Abstract

<strong>Introduction</strong>: Glucose metabolism in birds is directly related to insulin secretion, given that this hormone exerts an anabolic function and this response is reflected in the growth of poultry. There is little information on variables such as sex, age and weight, and their effect on insulin secretion and the regulation of glucose concentrations. Objective: To compare concentrations of insulin, glucose, and weight in four-weeks-old male and female broiler chickens, in order to establish reference values for them. <strong>Materials and methods</strong>: Fasting blood samples were collected from 80 broilers of both sexes (four-weeks-old Cobb 500 line). Enzyme immunoassay (sandwich method) was used to determine levels of insulin, glucometer for glycemia levels, and scales for weight. Results were analyzed using the Stata statistical program a statistically significant difference is accepted when p is < 0.05. <strong>Results</strong>: Insulin values are 0.60 ± 0.63 ng/mL regarding glucose levels, males reported values between 415.45 ± 40.52 mg/dL, and females between 350.72 ± 68.37 mg/dL finally, weight values were 963.73 g in males and 865.64 g in females. <strong>Conclusions</strong>: Males are heavier than females. Glycemia concentrations are higher in males than in females reference values according to sex are: in females (mg/dL) 350.72 ± 68.37, and in males (mg/dL) 415 ± 40.52 finally, insulin levels are higher in females than in males.