Vegetative regulation of glucose, calcium, phosphorus, and haemoglobin levels in the blood of laying hens

The state of mineral and energy metabolism significantly influences the growth rate and productivity of laying hens. Understanding their specific effects on physiological processes, in conjunction with the regulatory impact of varying autonomic nervous system tones, is crucial for addressing numerous issues related to improving poultry egg production. This study aimed to determine the effects of autonomic nervous system tone on the intermediary metabolism of minerals, carbohydrates, and proteins in laying hens. The research involved Hisex Brown hens. Experimental groups were formed based on the results of electrocardiography and a variational pulsometric study, followed by statistical analysis of the initial data. This approach facilitated the classification of the laying hens into three experimental groups: normotonic, sympathotonic, and vagotonic. Analysis of specific biochemical parameters in the blood serum of the laying hens revealed a significant increase (P < 0.001) in glucose levels in sympathotonic hens, characterised by the predominant influence of the sympathetic nervous system, compared to the other two groups – normotonic and vagotonic hens. The highest calcium concentrations were observed in the blood serum of vagotonic hens, characterised by predominant vagotonic activity (P < 0.001) compared to birds in other experimental groups. Phosphorus concentrations in the blood serum of normotonic hens, marked by a balanced influence of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, were the lowest (P < 0.01) compared to vagotonic and sympathotonic hens. The highest haemoglobin levels were recorded in the whole blood of normotonic hens (P < 0.001) relative to other experimental groups. The findings demonstrated a correlation between the activity of the autonomic nervous system and the levels of phosphorus, calcium, glucose, and haemoglobin in the blood of laying hens. Identifying the individual characteristics of autonomic regulation of metabolic processes in laying hens can facilitate the development of scientifically grounded approaches to ration balancing, thereby enhancing productivity in poultry production