Comparison of corticosterone, cortisol, triglycerides, aspartateaminotransferase and uric acid plasma concentrations during a foie gras production period in male mule ducks (Anas platyrhynchos X Cairina moschata)

1 Corticosterone, cortisol, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and uric acid (UA) plasma concentration were measured at 8 and 12 weeks of age, at slaughtering and 45 min after an adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test (8 weeks of age) in twelve male mule ducks.
2 No significant increase of corticosterone was found during the force feeding period.
3 Comparison of corticosterone and cortisol levels indicates that cortisol can be considered as a reliable acute stress indicator in future routine examinations.
4 Triglycerides and AST plasma concentrations progressively increased from pre-force feeding period to slaughtering.
5 UA plasma concentrations also increased from the start at 8 weeks of age to mid-force feeding time but no difference was noticed between mid-force feeding period and slaughtering.