Importance of the Cecum in Intestinal Synthesis in the Mature Domestic Fowl

Abstract THE literature on the importance of the ceca in the fowl has been reviewed by Olson and Mann (1935); these portions of the gastrointestinal tract may be removed or occluded with no apparent ill effects. The above workers observed that the pH of this organ was lower than that of either the preceding or succeeding portions of the intestine. Olson and Mann (1935) also reported that there appeared to be a selectivity of materials which gained entrance to the ceca as well as a similar situation with regard to the emptying of these organs. Couch, Cravens, Elvehjem and Halpin (1948) used the laying hen as an experimental animal for studying the intestinal synthesis of biotin as reflected by the biotin content of the egg and by hatchability. These workers reported that dextrin favored the intestinal synthesis of this vitamin but that sucrose, lactose and dried whey did not promote much . . .