Food Metabolizability in Normal and Bluecomb Diseased Turkeys ,

Abstract

OF the lesions which have been observed in bluecomb diseased turkeys, most were located in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (Jungherr and Pomeroy, 1965; Adams, 1969). Important alterations in GI function have also been shown to exist. These include a significant decrease in GI propulsive motility (Duke et al., 1969; Dziuk et al., 1969a) and a reduction in the net intestinal absorption of glucose, ions, and water (Duke et al., 1970a). Food placed directly in the crop and upper GI tract by force-feeding was not digested or utilized normally by bluecomb diseased turkeys (Dziuk et al., 1969a).The purpose of the present study was to quantitate the extent of this poor feed conversion and to determine when the decrease in utilization begins during a bluecomb infection. This study was a part of an effort to elucidate GI functional changes resulting from bluecomb and to determine when these changes commence during a…