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Exposure to Excessive Carbon Dioxide: A Risk Factor for Early Poult Mortality

Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7608; Phone: (919) 515-5544; FAX: (919) 515-2625

J. P. McMurtry

Livestock and Poultry Sciences Institute, ARS/USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705

N. C. Olson

College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8401

Correspondence: W. E. Donaldson

Newly hatched, unfed turkey poults are exposed to several post-hatch stressors, each of which can increase the risk of early mortality. The know risk factors for early poult mortality (e. g. , hatchery servicing stressors, prolonged holding without feed or water, temperature stress) all are associated with lower than normal carbohydrate (glycogen) reserves and increased reliance on gluconeogenesis (conversion of non-carbohydrates such as protein to glucose, and the poults sole source of carbohydrate prior to feeding). Sub-standard ventilation conditions during holding, transport, or brooding of poults are considered stressful because carbon dioxide levels rise (hypercapnia). Poults were exposed to elevated 0.4%) CO₂ for 16 hr posthatch. We conclude from the metabolic effects observed that hypercapnia is a stressor and thus may be an additional risk factor for early poult mortality.

Key Words: Carbon dioxide • early poult mortality • post-hatch holding

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