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Development of Endothermy in the Pekin Duck (Anas pekin)
Author(s) -
Ream Sarah,
Duquaine Allison,
Sirsat Sarah K Goy,
Sirsat Tushar S,
Dzialowski Edward M
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.1149.17
Subject(s) - hatching , precocial , hatchling , biology , citrate synthase , endocrinology , hematocrit , medicine , thermoregulation , hemoglobin , respiration , homeothermy , zoology , anatomy , biochemistry , enzyme
Maturation of metabolic capacity is associated with attaining endothermy in avian species. Here we examined development of endothermy in precocial Pekin ducks ( Anas pekin ) by measuring whole animal O 2 consumption (Vo 2 ) at 35, 25, and 15°C and ventricle mass, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (hct) as measures of O 2 delivery capacity. Citrate synthase activity and mitochondria respiration of permeabilized skeletal muscle were measured to elucidate associated cellular level changes. Animals were examined at the prehatch externally pipped (EP) stage through 19 hrs post hatching. The Vo 2 of EP embryos decreased, but not significantly when cooling from 35 to 25, and 15°C. In hatchlings 0 to 19 hrs post hatching, Vo 2 increased significantly during cooling from 35°C to 25 and 15°C. Citrate synthase activity of thigh flexor muscles showed a non‐significant, increasing trend with age. While body mass did not differ between ages, whole ventricle mass increased significantly upon hatching. Both Hb and hct increased significantly from EP to 0 and 12 hrs post hatching. Increased metabolic capacity necessary to attain endothermy was associated with increasing metabolic capacity of the tissue and increasing O 2 delivery capacity. This change in capacity was obtained rapidly upon hatching as evident by the increase in ventricle mass and is supported by increases in Hb and hct levels in hatchlings. Supported by NSF IOS 1146758 (EMD).