Evidence of a glucose-insulin imbalance and effect of dietary protein and energy level in chickens selected for high abdominal fat content.

Effects of dietary protein or energy level on growth and physiological parameters were investigated in growing chickens selected for high (fat line, FL) or low (lean line, LL) abdominal fat but similar body weight. The FL birds deposited consistently more abdominal fat (about two-fold) and had poorer feed conversion, irrespective of diet. Increasing the ratio of energy to protein increased fat deposition similarly but at different levels. Body weight and feed consumption showed only minor and inconsistent differences and feed consumption following a fast and body temperature in the fed or the fasted-state showed no differences between lines. Fasting plasma glucose levels were similar for both lines at hatching but consistently lower in FL birds thereafter. This was matched by higher fasting plasma insulin levels. A similar relationship was also observed in fed FL birds at 2 weeks of age. Glucose disposal rate was faster in FL birds at 4 and 6 weeks but normal by 8 weeks. The glucose-induced insulin release was higher in FL birds at 6 and 8 weeks, indicating a normal sensitivity to insulin at a young age, with the development of a tissue insulin resistance by 8 weeks of age. The primary mechanism responsible for the fattening of FL birds appears therefore to be greater insulin release from the pancreas of the FL birds soon after hatching.