Abstract
Summary
Kinetic parameters associated with the body water pool were studied in hens of two age brackets by Isotope Dilution Techniques using tritium-labeled water.
The half-life of body water was found to be significantly longer (p < 0.05) in hens than in pullets. It is probable that the difference is due to an increased utilization of body water by the younger birds for their greater anabolic demands.
Total body water, expressed as percent of body weight, was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the pullets than in the hens. The lower water content of the hens appears to be due to a decrease in intra- and extracellular body water with age as previously suggested for mammals. Additionally, the greater fat mass of the older birds may be contributing to the results observed.
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