THE REDUCTION OF HEAT-PRODUCTION IN EXERCISING PIGEONS AFTER L-CARNITINE SUPPLEMENTATION

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.