The reduction of heat production in exercising pigeons after L-carnitine supplementation.
Four groups (CS,CR,PS,PR) of nine trained male racing pigeons were deprived of feed for 1 d and then subjected to a respiration chamber test in order to study the effect of oral 1-carnitine supplementation on the energy metabolism during flight. One week before, groups CS and CR were orally supplemented with 90 mg of 1-carnitine daily, whereas PS and PR were given a placebo. Groups CS and PS underwent flight simulation by electrostimulation of the breast muscles. Flight simulation increased heat production, kept respiratory quotient from decreasing, decreased thyroxine levels, and increased weight loss. L-Carnitine decreased the rise in heat production during electrostimulation but did not influence respiratory quotient, weight loss, or thyroid hormones. L-Carnitine supplementation in pigeons improves fatty acid combustion efficiency during heavy exercise.
Janssens
G P
GP
Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, University of Ghent, Merelbeke, Belgium. Geert.Janssens@rug.ac.be
Buyse
J
J
Seynaeve
M
M
Decuypere
E
E
De Wilde
R
R
D000818:Animals; D001273:Atmosphere Exposure Chambers / Q000662:veterinary; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect / Q000662:veterinary; D002331:Carnitine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D010856:Columbidae / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005426:Flight, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010369:Pectoralis Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
D013963:Thyroid Hormones; D002331:Carnitine