Tachycardia during egg-hypothermia in incubating ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)

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Abstract
Incubating birds regulate the egg temperature by varying their posture and the distance between eggs and brood patch. This homeostatic process is further assisted by varying the brood patch blood flow according to the temperature of the eggs. When female ptarmigan resume incubation of cooled eggs (e.g., after a period of foraging), they immediately develop pronounced tachycardia (4 times normal in wild, 2-3 times in captive birds). Tachycardia is maintained, although at decreasing intensity, until the eggs have obtained normal temperature. The eggs are heated 30-50% slower in females where tachycardia is inhibited by a .beta.-receptor blocking agent.

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