An automated multi-calorimeter system: preliminary experiments on laying hens.
1. An open-circuit, automated, multi-calorimeter system for studies on the energy metabolism of the fowl is described. 2. Discontinuous observations of 10-min duration once each hour for 22 h gave good agreement with continuous observations throughout 22 h. 3. It is essential to train each hen before a series of calorimeter experiments. 4. A distinctive pattern of light-entrained, diurnal variation of metabolic rate has been observed in starving and fed birds of two laying strains.
D000818:Animals; D001331:Automation; D002151:Calorimetry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D002645:Chickens / Q000378:metabolism*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003201:Computers; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female