PSX-37 Late-Breaking Abstracts: Effects of metformin on body temperature regulation and breast muscle growth in male broiler chickens

Abstract

Chickens provide models for human physiology research, as their normal physiological status mimics mammalian obesity and human Type II diabetes. Metformin is a common medication used to treat Type II diabetes. Prior studies have demonstrated metformin’s ability to induce the “browning” phenomenon of white adipose tissue and promote non-shivering thermogenesis (NST). The objective of this study was to determine if dietary supplementation of metformin can promote NST to reduce body fat mass and increase metabolism in broiler chickens. Male broiler chicks (n = 72) were randomly assigned to 12 pens (6 chickens/pen). Pens were randomly assigned to control basal diet (CON), basal plus 0.5 g/kg metformin (MET05), or basal plus 1.0 g/kg metformin (MET1). Two chicks were harvested from each pen on d7, d14, and d21. Total breast weight (TBW) and liver weight (LW) were recorded. IButton temperature loggers were implanted in chickens on d19. ADFI was highest in MET05 at d7 and d21, lowest in MET1 at d7, and highest in MET1 at d14. ADFI was lowest in CON group at d14 and d21. MET1 showed a negative effect on G:F at d7 and d14. MET05 group had the highest BW, TBW, and LW at all intervals. CON group had the lowest TBW at d14, but significantly higher than MET1 at d21. MET1 group had the lowest TBW at d7 and d21, lowest LW at d7 and d14, while CON group had the lowest LW at d21. CON had the highest breast/BW ratio, while MET1 group had the lowest. MET05 and MET01 had higher liver:BW ratio than CON group at d21. Data distribution showed less variation for internal body temperature in the MET05 group compared with CON and MET1. These results suggest that low dosage metformin helps regulate body temperature and increase breast muscle growth in broilers in earlier life stage.