Effects of transportation on body weight loss, renal morphology and acid–base balance in broilers

1. Transport under thermoneutral conditions may affect body weight, physiological and biochemical variables, electrolyte balance, acid-base status and renal function in broilers. Therefore, this study investigated how different transport distances affect body weight loss, physiological changes, oxidative stress, electrolyte levels and renal responses in broilers.2. Fifty broilers were randomly divided into five groups and transported over distances of 0, 50, 100, 150 or 200 km. Body weight, physiological and biochemical variables, blood electrolytes, acid-base balance and renal changes were measured.3. Broilers transported for 200 km had significantly more body weight loss than those transported for 0 and 50 km (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Respiratory rate significantly increased at 50 km (<i>p</i> < 0.05) and blood sodium was higher at 150 and 200 km than at 0 km (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Blood pH was lowest at 0 km, while bicarbonate was lowest at 200 km (<i>p</i> < 0.05).4. Kidney congestion score increased with distance, with the highest score at 200 km (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Scores for 0 and 50 km transport were significantly lower than those at 100, 150 and 200 km (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Renal tubular dilation scores were significantly higher at 50 and 150 km than at 0, 100 and 200 km (<i>p</i> < 0.05).5. These results demonstrated that transportation, even under thermoneutral conditions, can still induce alterations in physiological and renal functions in broilers. Longer transport distances exacerbate these effects, underscoring the need for improved methods to reduce stress and support broiler welfare.