Application of a radiotelemetry system for chronic measurement of blood pressure, heart rate, EEG, and activity in the chicken.

This paper reports the first successful chronic monitoring (for 30 days) of blood pressure, heart rate, EEG, and physical activity in a freely moving bird, following (described) implantation of a commercially available (Data Sciences International) radiotelemetry device in a 1.6-kg broiler chicken. The tip of the device's pressure sensing catheter was introduced into the descending aorta via a leg (ischiadic) artery and, although the catheter was tied in place, circulation in the leg was maintained and leg function was not impaired. EEG was recorded from the device's paired sensing electrodes positioned on the surface of the telencephalon. Physiological and activity data collected by the radiotelemetry system over 2 complete 24-h periods, 1 and 4 weeks after implantation of the device, were analyzed with the system's own (Dataquest LabPRO) analysis software. The results presented are discussed mainly in terms of variation between light and dark periods.