The Effects of Strain, Age, Time After Oviposition, and Egg Specific Gravity on Acid-Base Balance in White Leghorn Hens

Bicarbonate, pH, pCO2, and plasma calcium levels were measured in young and force molted White Leghorn hens. The measured variables were not affected by strain, age of bird, egg specific gravity, and time after oviposition except for pH and plasma calcium. There were no differences in the acid-base balances between roosters and hens, but the plasma calcium levels were much lower for roosters than hens.