Poultry Improvement Project

1. Poultry Improvement Project Digestion

2. Definition of Digestion • Process by which large complex nutrient molecules are broken down into simpler molecules capable of being used by the organism for food. • This process is accomplished primarily through the action of digestive enzymes. • Enzymes are organic catalysts produced by certain cells within the body which speed biochemical reactions.

3. The digestive system of poultry differs considerably from other simple stomached animals. Feed enters through the beak, birds have no teeth, thus no chewing. Feed then goes to the Esophagus which empties into a crop where the food is stored and soaked. Feed then passes to the granular stomach(proventriculus). Here digestive juices are added. The Chicken Digestive System

4. Digestive System Cont. • Feed then enters the gizzard, a very muscular organ. • Normally contains stones or grit. • Where feed is crushed and ground. • Feed then moves through the small intestine. • It moves by peristaltic movement. • The feed is completely broken down here and absorption of nutrients take place here.

5. Digestion-Continued • What’s left after absorption in the small intestine goes to the large intestine. • Here water is removed from the waste. • Ceca-are two blind pouches found between the small and large intestine. There function is unknown but they do contain undigested feed. • Cloaca-where the large intestine joins the vent. • Vent-where waste, urine, and eggs are passed out.

6. Accessory Organs • Liver-secretes bile to help digest fats. • Gall bladder-stores bile. • Pancreas-secrets(forms and gives off) enzymes to break down nutrients.

7. Length of Digestion • From the time the food enters the beak until it leaves through the vent is: • 8-12 hours in non laying poultry. • 2 1/2 hours in laying poultry.