Ultrastructural demonstration of mitochondrial calcium overload in myocardial cells from broiler chickens with ascites and induced hypoxia

Two groups of young broiler chickens, namely, naturally occurring field cases of ascites and those with an induced hypoxia, were used in an ultrastructural study to examine the localisation and distribution of intracellular Ca²⁺ in cardiomyocytes. Age-matched healthy flockmates were used to control each group. Deposits of Ca²⁺ were located extensively in the mitochondria, sarcoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus and sometimes in the myocyte and endothelial cell nuclei of both groups of birds. The results suggest that the cells from the hearts of the ascitic broilers may have been exposed to hypoxia since a large proportion of control material showed no Ca²⁺ activity in either mitochondria or nuclei. The presence of a Ca²⁺ overload in the mitochondria of cardiomyocytes from ascitic birds reared at low altitude or sea level suggests that these broilers were suffering from the deleterious effects of chronic hypoxia due to poor or reduced oxygen use.     

Ultrastructural and molecular changes in the left and right ventricular myocardium associated with ascites syndrome in broiler chickens raised at low altitude

The present study examines ultrastructural and molecular changes in ventricular myocardium associated with ascites cases in fast-growing broilers raised at low altitude. Extensive ultrastructural lesions were seen in the left and right ventricular myocardium of broilers with fulminant heart failure and ascites. Significant changes included lesions in the myofibril contractile apparatus, altered mitochondria, marked reduction in the myofibril component, and changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture. No lesions were observed in hearts of slow growing broilers, but mild to moderate changes (predominantly in the left ventriculum) were apparent in the hearts from some clinically normal, fast-growing broilers. SDS-PAGE profiles of washed myofibrils showed several distinctly different bands in preparations from left ventricular myocardium of ascitic birds. Western blot analysis of these samples revealed several fragments of myosin heavy chain, M-protein, and titin. Based on gelatinolytic activity, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) in the cytosolic fraction of ventricular myocardium homogenates were identified as MMP-2. The relative activity of this enzyme appears to be considerably higher in preparations from broilers, particularly in the preparations from the left ventriculum of fast-growing broilers, in comparison to leghorns or slow growing broilers. The nature and distribution of the changes in the heart indicate that chronic cardiomyopathic process in the left ventricular myocardium occurs during the development of ascites. It is postulated that progressive deterioration of the left heart pump function caused by initial lesions in the left ventricular myocardium is a significant factor in the development of pulmonary hypertension and the pathogenesis of ascites in broilers raised at low altitude.     

Pathogenesis of ascites in broilers raised at low altitude: aetiological considerations based on echocardiographic findings

This study reports novel insight into the aetiology of pulmonary hypertension and ascites in broiler chickens. The scope of measurements was focused on anatomical and functional parameters, and blood flow patterns in leghorns (resistant to ascites), fast-growing broilers (susceptible to ascites), broilers developing ascites, and ascitic broilers evaluated in vivo using echocardiography, and further examined in the context of postmortem findings. Both, in vivo observed features and postmortem findings, showed clear differences between broilers and leghorns, and between normal and ascitic broilers. Abnormalities in the heart chamber geometry and blood flow patterns were detected upon echocardiographic examination in all ascitic broilers. Right and left atrio-ventricular (AV) valve regurgitation were common findings in ascitic broilers and some apparently normal broilers, with left AV valve insufficiency being a predominant feature with respect to degree and frequency of occurrence. Blood flow disturbances were not detected in leghorns. Left ventricular fractional shortening (functional parameter) was considerably reduced (P < 0.01) in ascitic birds (mean: 21.7 +/- 2.0 SE) in comparison with normal broilers (mean: 39.1 +/- 3.6 SE), or leghorns (mean: 43.3 +/- 2.4 SE). The presented findings indicate that pathological and functional changes in the left ventricle and atrium play a significant role in the pathogenesis of ascites in broilers. Severe dilation of the left atrium and pulmonary veins seen on postmortem examination, as well as regurgitant blood flow in the left atrium, demonstrated by Doppler study in ascitic birds, provide evidence that chronically elevated pressure in the left atrium is involved in the aetiology of pulmonary hypertension and ascites in fast-growing broilers.     

Effects of Early Feed Restriction on Performance and Ascites Development in Broiler Chickens Subsequently Raised at Low Ambient Temperature

The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of early-age growth limitation, achieved through feed restriction (FR), as a means of reducing ascites mortality in broiler chickens exposed to low ambient temperatures. Feed restriction was applied to broilers from 5 to 11 d of age so as to reduce their weight gain to about 40% of that of control broilers that were fed ad libitum (AL). At the age of 21 d the chickens were exposed to a temperature of 15°C, which induced ascites. By 46 d of age, ascites incidence and mortality in the feed-restricted birds were reduced to 15.79 vs. 36.84% and 7.89 vs. 26.32%, respectively, compared with those in the controls (P < 0.05). After feed restriction was stopped, the FR chickens had accelerated weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio from 11 to 18 d of age (P < 0.05), and by 46 d they had achieved the same body weight as the AL birds. Ascitic broilers had smaller relative breast muscle and spleen weights than those of the healthy broilers at 46 d (P < 0.05). However, the relative weights of lung, heart, and liver and the right ventricle weight per total ventricle weight (RV:TV) ratios were greater in ascitic broilers (P < 0.05). At age 37 d, when ascites had developed but not yet caused mortality, the ascitic broilers had lower plasma concentrations of the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, and higher hematocrit values (P < 0.05) in comparison with the healthy ones. Ascitic birds also had lower oxygen consumption at 6 wk (P < 0.05), which agrees with information that the terminal stage of the ascites syndrome can be characterized by low oxygen consumption. We concluded that the early-age feed restriction reduced ascites incidence and mortality and prevented reduction of the thyroid hormone concentrations in male broilers reared at low ambient temperature from the age of 3 wk onward.     

Echocardiographic study of pulmonary hypertension syndrome in broiler chickens

Echocardiography was used to study cardiovascular structure and function during the development of pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) in broiler chickens. Body weight-normalized right and left ventricular diameters at both end-diastole (RVDD, LVDD) and end-systole (RVDS, LVDS) were determined weekly in broilers reared under either normobaric (altitude, 96.7 m) or hypobaric conditions (simulated altitude, 2900 m) until 5 wk of age. Hypobaric-exposed broilers had larger RVDD at 3 and 4 wk of age and larger RVDS at 3, 4, and 5 wk of age. Hypobaric-exposed broilers also had larger LVDD at 2, 3, 4, and 5 wk of age and larger LVDS at 4 wk of age. Right (RVFS) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) were smaller in hypobaric- vs. normobaric-exposed broilers at 3, 4, and 5 wk of age and at 4 wk of age, respectively. Among hypobaric-exposed birds, PHS-positive (+) broilers had larger RVDD and RVDS than PHS-negative (-) broilers on week 3 and on weeks 1 and 3 after hypobaric exposure, respectively. PHS-positive (+) broilers also had smaller RVFS on week 1 after hypobaric exposure. Electrocardiographic and post-mortem data indicated that PHS+ broilers also developed right ventricular hypertrophy when compared with PHS-negative (-) broilers. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that PHS develops as a result of pulmonary hypertension and cardiac overload and suggest that PHS+ broilers have a greater and more persistent reaction to hypoxia than PHS- broilers.     

Changes in hematological, blood gas, and serum biochemical variables in broilers during exposure to simulated high altitude.

One-day-old broilers were reared until 35 days of age at both natural low (100 m) and simulated high altitude (2133 m) to assess the incidence and development of ascites syndrome. Clinical measurements were conducted at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days of age. Birds reared at 2133 meters exhibited significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) reduced body weights at 7 through 28 days of age. Total serum calcium and biochemical enzyme activities were found to be altered at 35 days of age. In addition, the high-altitude group had significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) higher erythrocyte counts, hematocrits, and hemoglobin at 14, 21, 28, and 35 days of age and higher serum inorganic phosphorus at each weekly sample time than birds at the low altitude. Total mortality was 20.3% at 2133 meters and 4.6% at 100 meters. The incidence of ascites syndrome in the high-altitude group ranged from 16.6% to 61.1% during the 5-week experimental period.     

肉鸡腹水综合征患鸡右心组织钙沉积和Ca2+-ATPase活性变化

右心肥大衰竭是腹水综合征患鸡发病的重要环节之一,而心肌细胞内Ca^2＋浓度在调节心脏收缩和舒张功能及其生长方面都起着重要作用。本试验应用右心导管法测定AS患鸡右心压力变化情况,采用焦锑酸钾沉淀法、电镜酶细胞化学法研究AS患鸡右心组织Ca^2＋和钙泵（Ca^2＋-ATPase）活性变化及其精确定位。结果显示AS组肉鸡右心室舒张压极显著高于对照组（P〈0.01）,同时,右心室内压最大变化速率也极显著降低（P〈0.01）;对照组肉鸡右心组织偶见少量散在的Ca^2＋沉淀颗粒,低温诱发AS患鸡右心组织发生了明显的钙沉积;对照组肉鸡的右心组织Ca^2＋-ATPase以高电子密度颗粒分布于肌浆网、线粒体膜等处,AS患鸡心脏组织的Ca^2＋-ATPase的电子密度颗粒显著减少或缺失。本研究揭示,在低温条件下AS患鸡具有明显的右心舒张功能障碍,Ca^2＋浓度增高和Ca^2＋-ATPase功能抑制可能在其中起着重要作用。     

Increased calcium deposits and decreased Ca-ATPase in erythrocytes of ascitic broiler chickens

The decrease of erythrocyte deformability may be one of the predisposing factors for pulmonary hypertension and ascites in broiler chickens. In mammals, the cytoplasmic calcium is a major regulator of erythrocyte deformability. In this study, the erythrocyte deformability was measured, and the precise locations of Ca²⁺ and Ca²⁺-ATPase in the erythrocytes were investigated in chickens with ascites syndrome induced by low ambient temperature. The results showed that ascitic broilers had higher filtration index of erythrocyte compared with control groups, indicating a decrease in erythrocyte deformability in ascitic broilers. The more calcium deposits were observed in the erythrocytes of ascitic broilers compared with those of the age-matched control birds. The Ca²⁺-ATPase reactive grains were significantly decreased on the erythrocyte membranes of ascitic broilers. Our data suggest that accumulation of intracellular calcium and inhibition of Ca²⁺-ATPase might be important factors for the reduced deformability of the erythrocytes of ascitic broilers.     

Vascular remodeling and its role in the pathogenesis of ascites in fast growing commercial broilers

This study examined the putative role of blood vessel pathology in the development of ascites in broilers. Major blood vessels (aorta, brachiocephalic arteries, pulmonary arteries, and vena cava) from normal commercial male broiler chickens, and broilers that developed congestive heart failure (CHF) with or without ascites were subjected to gross and microscopic examination.On cross-section, grossly, the arteries from normal broilers and those showing dilated cardiomyopathy without ascites appeared circular, with firm wall tone characteristic of the normal artery. In contrast, the arteries from ascitic broilers appeared flaccid and lacked elasticity, which was evidenced by collapsing, ellipsoid cross-sectional arterial lumen owing to the structural weakness of the arterial walls. Microscopically, ascitic broilers showed thinning or occasionally total loss of elastic elements in the arterial wall, and reduced network density of the structural matrix of the vascular wall, as well as increased thickness of fibers in vena cava.The structural changes seen in the major arteries from ascitic broilers are maladaptive, and as such would definitively impose an increased hemodynamic burden on the already failing heart pump. The changes in veins are indicative of pathological remodeling conducive to increased permeability of the vascular wall, particularly in the situation when a poorly distensible structure is further subjected to wall stress associated with increased pressure and volume overload. Taken together, increased hemodynamic burden and reduced structural density of the venous wall constitute conditions conducive for seepage and accumulation of ascitic fluid.     

Corticosterone in Commercial Broilers

The welfare of commercially produced broilers is of concern to producers and consumers. When birds are reared under stressful conditions they often exhibit several adaptive responses. The major response is secretion of the stress hormone, corticosterone (CS), by the adrenal glands. The objective of this study was to assess welfare of commercially reared broilers by determining plasma CS concentrations at various times during grow out. Results show that CS concentrations of all birds tested remained in the nonstress range. The conclusion of this study is that commercial production of broilers in tunnel-ventilated houses that maintained temperatures in the comfort zone and light at low intensities did not cause stress as measured by circulating blood levels of CS.     

Nutritional approaches to ameliorate pulmonary hypertension in broiler chickens

This article reviews recent nutritional approaches for counteracting the development of pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS; ascites) in broiler chickens especially when they are reared at high altitudes. High altitudes impose the sustained stress of hypobaric hypoxia, which reduces the availability of atmospheric oxygen to red blood cells passing through the lungs, thereby causing systemic arterial hypoxaemia (undersaturation of haemoglobin with oxygen), pulmonary arterial hypertension and PHS/ascites in susceptible broilers. Proper nutritional strategies are needed to reduce metabolic activity and prevent the development of ascites especially when modern broilers are reared in regions where the existing altitudes limit the availability of atmospheric oxygen. This article also addresses controversies with regard to broiler nutrition in relation to PHS. For example, the catabolism of protein from feed ingredients incurs increased oxygen consumption, suggesting that feeding reduced‐protein diets to broiler chickens may result in reduced PHS incidences. However, experimental and field data indicate that feeding reduced‐protein diets to broilers subjected to hypobaric hypoxia increases the development of PHS. Controversies on the nutrition of unsaturated fat in relation to PHS are also discussed. In conclusion, hypoxia, acidosis, vasoconstriction and enhanced metabolic rate are triggers of PHS. Feeding reduced‐protein diets might promote the susceptibility of broilers to PHS by decreased dietary intake of arginine, decreased uric acid production and increased lipogenesis. Feeding high‐protein diets, dietary arginine supplementation, partial substitution of sodium bicarbonate for sodium chloride, feeding low‐fat diets and effective feed restriction programmes can be considered as nutritional approaches to prevent PHS.     

Erythropoiesis regulation during the development of ascites syndrome in broiler chickens: a possible role of corticosterone

The ascites syndrome in broiler chickens is attributed to metabolic burdening, which results from intensive genetic selection for rapid growth coupled with exposure to extreme environmental conditions, such as low ambient temperature. These conditions impose on the broilers difficulties in fulfilling tissue demands for oxygen, and the birds exhibit a decrease in blood oxygen saturation and high hematocrit values. It is unknown whether the increase in hematocrit results from alteration in erythropoiesis or from fluid exudation out of the blood system to the abdominal cavity. The present study was conducted to examine the association between abnormal stress response and erythropoiesis process in ascitic broilers. Ascitic chickens revealed a uniquely continuous stress response: expressing an increase (P < or = 0.05) in plasma corticosterone concentration 2 to 3 wk before death. At 5 wk of age, ascitic broilers exhibited an increase (P < 0.05) in hematocrit, blood cell count, and packed cells and blood volumes, with no significant change in plasma volume. These results confirm an accelerated erythropoiesis process in ascitic birds. Increased blood cell production in ascitic birds was matched by an increase (P < 0.05) in the proportion of immature red blood cells (23%) in comparison with broilers that remained healthy (7%), and by decreased (P < 0.05) hemoglobin content relative to red blood cells. We conclude that continually increased corticosterone concentrations, as an inducer of erythropoiesis proliferation and differentiation arrest, in ascitic chickens, resulted in increased production of red blood cells (partially immature) with decreased hemoglobin content; this decrease in hemoglobin might have contributed to enhanced development of hypoxemia and to aggravation of the syndrome.     

Effect of pelleted feed on the incidence of ascites in broilers reared at low altitudes

A study was conducted to investigate whether the use of pelleted feeds might influence the incidence of ascites in broilers reared at low altitudes (730 meters above sea level). In two trials carried out under commercial conditions, broilers were fed practical-type rations from 1 day to 7 weeks of age, in either mash or pellet form. In both trials, low incidences of ascites (less than 5%) were recorded for broilers receiving feed as pellets. No cases of the syndrome were observed in birds fed mash, either in the field or at the processing plant. These data suggest that the positive relationship between pelleted feeds and incidence of ascites observed at high altitudes also exists at lower elevations.     

Increased calcium deposits and decreased Ca2+-ATPase in right ventricular myocardium of ascitic broiler chickens

Right ventricular hypertrophy and failure is an important step in the development of ascites syndrome (AS) in broiler chickens. Cytoplasmic calcium concentration is a major regulator of cardiac contractile function and various physiological processes in cardiac muscle cells. The purpose of this study was to measure the right ventricular pressure and investigate the precise ultrastructural location of Ca(2+) and Ca(2+)-ATPase in the right ventricular myocardium of chickens with AS induced by low ambient temperature. The results showed that the right ventricular diastolic pressure of ascitic broilers was significantly higher than that of control broilers (P < 0.01), and the maximum change ratio of right intraventricular pressure (RV +/- dp/dt(max)) of ascitic broilers was significantly lower than that of the controls (P < 0.01). Extensively increased calcium deposits were observed in the right ventricular myocardium of ascitic broilers, whereas in the age-matched control broilers, calcium deposits were much less. The Ca(2+)-ATPase reactive products were obviously found on the sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial membrane of the control right ventricular myocardium, but rarely observed in the ascitic broilers. The data suggest that in ascitic broilers there is the right ventricular diastolic dysfunction, in which the overload of intracellular calcium and the decreased Ca(2+)-ATPase activity might be the important factors.     

卡托普利对腹水综合征肉鸡右心功能的影响

150只15日龄AA肉鸡随机分为常温组、低温组和卡托普利组,探讨卡托普利对腹水综合征肉鸡右心功能的影响。结果:卡托普利降低低温诱发肉鸡腹水的发生率;卡托普利降低低温诱发肉鸡肺动脉高压;卡托普利与低温组比降低肉鸡腹水心脏指数;28、36日龄和44日龄,卡托普利组右心室收缩压低于低温组(P0.05);28、36日龄和44日龄,卡托普利组右心室舒张压分别极低于低温组((P0.01)。本试验证明卡托普利可以降低腹水发生率和右心肥大,有效维护右心功能。     

维拉帕米对低温诱发腹水综合征肉鸡右心功能的影响

本试验旨在探讨钙离子内流阻滞剂维拉帕米（verapamile）对腹水综合征肉鸡右心功能的影响。结果显示，维拉帕米使低温诱发的肉鸡腹水症发生率以及肉鸡腹水心脏指数降低。与低温对照组相比，维拉帕米组28日龄鸡右心室收缩压显著降低（P〈0．05），36、44日龄鸡右心室收缩压有所降低（P〉0．05），而28和36日龄鸡右心室舒张压显著降低（P〈0．01）。     

Haematology and morphological changes in young broiler chicks with experimentally induced hypoxia

The haematology, histology and ultrastructure of day-old broiler chicks subject to experimentally induced hypoxia during incubation were examined. Some birds were allowed to reach five weeks old before examination. All the red blood cell parameters, namely, haemoglobin, packed cell volume and red cell counts were raised significantly in hypoxic birds compared with control material and the results closely resembled the haematological profile of young broilers with an ascitic syndrome. By week 5 these parameters had returned to normal. Morphological changes were seen in all the organs examined from day-old hypoxic chicks. The lungs showed much congestion and large numbers of granulocytes were present in hearts, and testes. In the livers, hepatocytes contained enlarged mitochondria together with a reduction in glycogen content. Congested lungs were seen at five weeks old but recovery to normal morphology was observed in all other organs.     

Respiratory microbiota of healthy broilers can act as reservoirs for multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli

This study aimed at evaluate the presence and to study characteristics of Escherichia coli in the respiratory system microbiota of healthy broilers. Trachea, air sacs, and lungs of 20 broilers were analyzed at 21 days of age, reared in experimental conditions, without receiving antimicrobials. E. coli strains were isolated and identified using conventional bacteriology through morphological and biochemical characterization. The production of bacteriocin-like substances, the presence of virulence-associated genes (VAGs) of APEC (Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli) predictors, and the antimicrobial susceptibility were evaluated. E. coli was found in 85 % of the animals (17/20), in the trachea, air sacs or lungs; and it was not found in 15 % of the animals (3/20). A total of 34 isolates were recovered, 13 from the air sacs, 13 from the lungs, and 8 from the trachea, which showed no production of bacteriocin-like substances nor virulence genes associated with APEC. Most isolates, 59 % (20/34), showed resistance to at least one of the tested antimicrobials, and six multiresistant strains were identified. The results demonstrated that strains of E. coli were commensal of the respiratory microbiota, and that they did not present pathogenicity to the host, since there were no clinical signs of disease, macroscopic lesions in the organs of the evaluated broilers, production of bacteriocin-like substances, nor virulence-associated genes considered as predictors of APEC in bacteria. These strains of E. coli were mostly susceptible to antimicrobials. However, the occurrence of multidrug-resistant strains suggests that these animals can act as reservoirs of resistant to antimicrobials E. coli.     

Haematological characteristics predicting susceptibility for ascites. 1. High carbon dioxide tensions in juvenile chickens

1. Male broilers of two different genetic stocks, a pure broiler sire line (A) and commercially available Ross broilers (B), were used to study the effect of haematological characteristics in juvenile chickens on the development of clinical ascitic signs. Production performance (body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR)) from 448 birds per stock was measured from 2 to 5 weeks of age. Mortality was recorded from 2 to 6 weeks of age. The birds were housed at a low ambient temperature to stimulate the incidence of ascites. 2. From each stock, 32 birds with the highest (high risk: HRc) and 32 birds with the lowest (low risk: LRc) carbon dioxide tensions (pCO2) in venous blood were selected at 11 d of age. These birds were marked for future blood sampling to determine changes in pCO2 with age to relate these values to ascites susceptibility. 3. At 2 weeks of age all birds (including HRc and LRc birds) were allotted to 32 floor pens (one HRc and one LRc in each pen) per stock. Venous blood samples were collected weekly from HRc and LRc birds for blood gas analysis and haematocrit, and at week 5 also for thyroid hormone (T3, T4) concentrations in plasma. At 5 weeks of age all HRc and LRc birds were examined post-mortem, relative heart, lung, and liver weights and arterial pressure index (API) values were recorded. 4. Birds from stock A showed a lower BWG and FCR and notably higher ascites mortality compared with stock B. An effect of pCO2 tensions at d 11 was found on the incidence of ascitic signs in selected birds of both stocks up to week 5. From the HRc groups 30% of the birds showed ascitic signs, whereas this was only 8% in the LRc group. LRc birds of stock B in particular showed constant low API values (20 +/- 3%) and none of these birds showed signs of ascites. 5. Our results suggest that the ascites problem in Ross birds can be eliminated by selection for low pCO2 tensions in venous blood. Stock effects on API, liver weight, lung weight, and plasma thyroid hormone independent of pCO2 showed a more complex picture of the ascitic signs in stock A compared with B. 6. We concluded that in this experiment a high pCO2 tension in venous blood measured at d 11 was a reliable predictor for ascites susceptibility observed at 5 weeks of age. A low pCO2 tension provides an appropriate criterion for genetic selection, whereas a high pCO2 tension emphasises the necessity for intensive management in poultry houses.     

Application of an early skip-a-day feed restriction on physiological parameters, carcass traits and development of ascites in male broilers reared under regular or cold temperatures at high altitude

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a skip‐a‐day feed removal early in life on physiological parameters and ascites occurrence in broilers reared at a high altitude (2100 m above sealevel) under regular or cold temperatures. Three hundred 1‐day‐old male broilers were divided into two equal groups. One group was placed in an enclosure with standard thermal management. The other group treated for the induction of ascites was raised under cold temperature conditions. In each enclosure, birds were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups (three replicate floor pens of 25 chicks per treatment group): (i) a control was fed a standard starter and grower diet according to the National Research Council; or (ii) a skip‐a‐day feed removal, which was similar to the control except for 24 h fasting intervals at 9, 11 and 13 days of age. Results indicate that live bodyweight following the feed removal at up to 42 days of age was significantly different between the control and skip‐a‐day restricted birds (P < 0.01). Skip‐a‐day feed removal resulted in decreased weight gain (P = 0.005) but did not influence feed conversion ratio. The heterophil : lymphocyte ratio was numerically higher for the cold environment and increased when birds were exposed to fasting, but these differences were not significant. Hematocrit was significantly higher (P = 0.0001) in broilers raised in cold conditions whereas it was not influenced by feed restriction. Circulatory thyroid hormone concentrations were not influenced by the feed restriction program under both environments. Birds subjected to cold had significantly lower (P = 0.0023) carcass yield compared to those reared at normal temperature. Breast yield and abdominal fat deposition were not influenced by cold or feed restriction. A reduction in mortality from ascites was noted in broilers who experienced early skip‐a‐day feed removal under both environmental conditions.