Chicken FT4 (Free Thyroxine) ELISA Kit

Thyroid hormones are indispensable regulators of physiological processes across vertebrates, and in chickens, they play a pivotal role in supporting growth, development, metabolic homeostasis, and even adaptive responses to environmental changes. Among these hormones, thyroxine (T4) is the primary secretory product of the chicken thyroid gland—unlike mammals, which secrete a mix of T4 and triiodothyronine (T3), the chicken thyroid gland releases almost exclusively T4. Free T4 (FT4), the unbound fraction of T4 in biological fluids, is the biologically active form of the hormone, as it is able to cross cell membranes, bind to nuclear receptors, and modulate the expression of genes involved in critical functions such as cell differentiation, protein synthesis, lipid metabolism, and feather development.

Accurate quantification of chicken FT4 is therefore essential for a wide range of research applications. For example, in poultry physiology research, measuring FT4 levels helps scientists understand how factors like dietary nutrient composition (e.g., iodine intake), environmental stress (e.g., temperature fluctuations, crowding), and disease status impact thyroid function—and in turn, chicken growth performance and reproductive health. In veterinary research, FT4 detection supports studies on thyroid disorders in poultry flocks, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which can lead to reduced egg production, stunted growth, or increased mortality. Additionally, in developmental biology, tracking FT4 concentrations during chick embryogenesis or post-hatch growth provides insights into the hormone’s role in tissue maturation, particularly in the brain, muscles, and digestive system.

Traditional methods for measuring thyroid hormones, such as radioimmunoassay (RIA), have limitations including radioactive waste disposal, short reagent shelf life, and the need for specialized safety equipment. The Chicken FT4 ELISA Kit addresses these challenges by leveraging a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) format, which combines high specificity, sensitivity, and safety—making it accessible for most research laboratories without the need for radioactive handling. This kit is designed to quantify FT4 in a variety of chicken biological samples, including serum, plasma, cell culture supernatants, and cell/tissue lysates, enabling flexible use across different research workflows. Whether investigating the effects of new feed additives on thyroid function, evaluating the impact of environmental toxins on poultry health, or studying the molecular mechanisms of thyroid hormone signaling in chickens, this ELISA kit provides a reliable tool for generating precise, reproducible FT4 data.