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Effect of a tryptophan deficiency on thyroid gland, growth hormone and testicular functions in chickens.

Broiler chicks from 2 to 4 weeks of age were fed control (0.23%) and deficient (0.115, 0.058%) levels of L-tryptophan. Separate groups of control chicks were pair-fed daily with the deficient chicks. Deficient chicks grew less efficiently than did pair-fed controls. Plasma triiodothyronine (T3) was elevated in deficient chicks, especially compared to pair-fed controls, and this was accompanied by lower reverse T3. Plasma thyroxine (T4) was also reduced with 0.059% tryptophan. However, thyroid weights and follicle diameters were unchanged. Reductions in weight gain and bone growth, increases in pituitary and pineal weights, and elevations in plasma GH occurred in the tryptophan-deficient chicks apart from any effect due to reductions in feed intake. Comb and testis size, and plasma testosterone were little affected by the deficiency. Based on changes in plasma T3 levels and feed conversion efficiencies, we conclude that tryptophan-deficient chicks show signs of relative hyperthyroidism and energy wastage compared to pair-fed controls. The elevations in plasma growth hormone and T3 support the concept that serotonin is a negative modulator of the synthesis or release of these hormones in chickens.