Publication
Title
Carotenoid availability does not limit the capability of nestling kestrels (**Falco tinnunculus**) to cope with oxidative stress
Author
Abstract
It is recognized that carotenoids are useful anti-oxidants in embryo and hatchling avian models. However, recent evidence suggests that the anti-oxidant role of carotenoids in nestling or adult birds may not be as important as previously thought. The aim of the present work was to investigate if supplemental carotenoids decreased the level of oxidative damage (by reactive oxygen metabolites, ROMs) and increased the serum anti-oxidant capacity (OXY) in nestling Eurasian kestrels Falco tinnunculus. Circulating carotenoids in supplemented nestlings increased about 1.5-fold compared to the control and pre-treatment levels at the end of the supplementation period. There was no effect on ROMs, OXY or the level of oxidative stress (ratio between ROMs and OXY), however, or on body mass or body condition of nestlings. ROMs and OXY decreased with age, but this pattern varied across the nests. Our results show that (i) in general, younger nestlings actually have to cope with a high free radical production, and (ii) the ability of wild nestling kestrels to cope with oxidative stress is not affected by carotenoid availability.
Language
English
Source (journal)
The journal of experimental biology. - London, 1930, currens
Publication
London : 2007
ISSN
0022-0949 [print]
1477-9145 [online]
DOI
10.1242/JEB.002741
Volume/pages
210 (2007) , p. 1238-1244
ISI
000245036500023
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 08.10.2015
Last edited 15.02.2023
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