Hormonal control of metabolism of nutrients in poultry

Hormonal Control Of Metabolism Of Nutrients In Poultry

Hormonal control plays a vital role in regulating the metabolism of nutrients in poultry, influencing processes such as energy utilization, growth, reproduction, and overall metabolic homeostasis. Several hormones act in concert to coordinate nutrient metabolism in poultry. Here are some key hormones involved in the hormonal control of nutrient metabolism:

1. Insulin:

Role: Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by the pancreas, primarily in response to elevated blood glucose levels after feeding.

Function:

Promotes glucose uptake by cells, particularly muscle and adipose tissue, for energy production or storage as glycogen.

Stimulates glycolysis (the breakdown of glucose) and inhibits gluconeogenesis (the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources). Enhances protein synthesis and inhibits protein breakdown.

2. Glucagon:

Role: Glucagon is another pancreatic hormone, produced by alpha cells of the pancreas, which acts antagonistically to insulin.

Function:

Stimulates glycogenolysis (breakdown of glycogen) and gluconeogenesis to increase blood glucose levels during fasting or low-energy states.

Promotes the release of fatty acids from adipose tissue for energy production.

3. Thyroid Hormones (Thyroxine – T4 and Triiodothyronine – T3):

Role: Thyroid hormones are produced by the thyroid gland and regulate metabolic rate and energy expenditure.

Function:

Increase basal metabolic rate (BMR) by stimulating oxygen consumption and heat production in tissues.

Enhance carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism to provide energy for growth, maintenance, and thermogenesis.

4. Growth Hormone (GH):

Role: Growth hormone is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and regulates growth, development, and metabolism.

Function:

Stimulates protein synthesis and growth in tissues, including skeletal muscle and bone.

Enhances lipolysis (breakdown of fats) and decreases glucose uptake, conserving glucose for growth and sparing protein.

5. Corticosterone (Corticosteroids):

Role: Corticosterone is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, involved in stress responses and metabolic regulation.

Function:

Mobilizes energy reserves during stress by stimulating gluconeogenesis and lipolysis.

Inhibits glucose uptake by tissues, conserving glucose for vital functions during stress.

Suppresses immune function and inflammatory responses to divert energy toward essential metabolic processes.

6. Gonadal Hormones (Estrogen, Testosterone):

Role: Gonadal hormones regulate reproductive functions but also have metabolic effects in poultry.

Function:

Influence nutrient partitioning and energy metabolism, particularly during reproductive processes.

Estrogen promotes lipogenesis (fat storage) and can affect feed intake and body composition.

Testosterone influences muscle growth and protein metabolism.

7. Leptin:

Role: Leptin is a hormone produced by adipose tissue, involved in regulating energy balance and appetite.

Function:

Acts on the hypothalamus to decrease appetite and increase energy expenditure.

Regulates body weight and fat mass by signaling satiety and energy availability.

8. Catecholamines (Epinephrine, Norepinephrine):

Role: Catecholamines are produced by the adrenal glands and sympathetic nervous system, involved in the fight-or-flight response and metabolic regulation.

Function:

Increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels during stress.

Stimulate glycogenolysis and lipolysis to provide a rapid energy source for immediate needs.

9. Melatonin:

Role: Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, primarily involved in regulating circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles.

Function:

Modulates metabolism, immune function, and reproductive physiology in response to light-dark cycles.

May influence nutrient metabolism indirectly through its effects on circadian rhythms and stress responses.

These hormones work together to regulate nutrient metabolism in poultry, orchestrating responses to changes in dietary intake, environmental conditions, and physiological states to maintain metabolic homeostasis and support growth, reproduction, and overall health. Proper nutrition, management practices, and environmental conditions play crucial roles in optimizing hormonal regulation and metabolic health in poultry production.