Electrolyte therapy, essential during heat stress
Published: May 17, 2022
By: Plusvet Animal Health
During heat stress, birds strive to regulate their body temperature by panting, increasing their respiration rate from a normal rate of 25 breaths per minute to a maximum of 250 breathes.
As birds pant, they eliminate excessive amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), which leads to low concentrations of carbonic acid and hydrogen in the blood and to an increase of plasma pH (respiratory alkalosis). The kidneys attempt to maintain the plasma pH by reducing the excretion of carbonic acid and hydrogen and increasing the excretion of potassium and sodium, two ions involved in the pH regulation. The excess elimination of potassium and sodium through urine leads to electrolyte imbalance.
Potassium and sodium are involved in key metabolic functions, such as osmotic balance, plasma pH and transport of substances across cell membranes. A deficiency of these two minerals has a direct effect on performance.
By adding electrolytes to feed or drinking water and restoring the electrolyte balance, it is possible to reduce the negative consequences of heat stress. Electrolyte therapy:
- Reduces mortality
- Minimizes productivity losses
- Increases feed intake
It is advised to start electrolyte therapy when temperature is expected to rise, before heat stress begins. However, care must be taken with the amount of electrolytes administered to avoid overdosing, which increases the moisture of the feces, increasing the occurrence of footpad dermatitis, and puts layers and breeders at risk of eggshell defects.
Products of choice
SupraPlus© is a liquid supplement that contains:
- Phytogenics that help the animals to face the digestive challenges associated with heat-stress
- Minerals (magnesium, chloride, sodium) and citrate that restore electrolyte balance
- Rapidly-absorbed sugars that help the animals to regulate body temperature and reduce mortality by heat stress
- Antioxidant vitamins
PhytoShield© is a liquid supplement that contains:
- Essential oils with powerful antioxidant and anti-stress properties, combined with antioxidant vitamins, that are able to counteract the oxidative stress associated with heat or cold stress, poor ventilation, stressful situations, toxins, mycotoxins and heavy metals, nutritional imbalances and feeding with oxidized fats, among others.
- Minerals (magnesium, chloride, sodium) and citrate that restore electrolyte balance
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