Gpj. Janssens et al., THE REDUCTION OF HEAT-PRODUCTION IN EXERCISING PIGEONS AFTER L-CARNITINE SUPPLEMENTATION, Poultry science, 77(4), 1998, pp. 578-584
Four groups (CS,CR,PS,PR) of nine trained male racing pigeons were dep
rived of feed for I d and then subjected to a respiration chamber test
in order to study the effect of oral l-carnitine supplementation on t
he energy metabolism during flight. One week before, groups CS and CR
were orally supplemented with 90 mg of l-carnitine daily, whereas PS a
nd PR were given a placebo. Groups CS and PS underwent flight simulati
on by electrostimulation of the breast muscles. Flight simulation incr
eased heat production, kept respiratory quotient from decreasing, decr
eased thyroxine levels, and increased weight loss. L-Carnitine decreas
ed the rise in heat production during electrostimulation but did not i
nfluence respiratory quotient, weight loss, or thyroid hormones. L-Car
nitine supplementation in pigeons improves fatty acid combustion effic
iency during heavy exercise.