Relationship between Intestinal Movements and Pancreatic Juice Secretion in the Domestic Chicken ,

Abstract

The relationship between the intestinal movements and the pancreatic juice secretion in the domestic chicken was studied. The main pancreatic ducts of commercial broiler-type chickens 12 to 14 weeks of age were cannulated, and the pancreatic secretions were recorded by a drop counter. Balloon catheters for monitoring the intestinal movements were implanted in the proximal duodena in the same animals. Feeding and drinking activities were monitored by photocells. The recordings from the drop counter, the balloon catheter, and the feeding and drinking activity monitor were made in relation to the time of day. These recordings indicated that the pancreatic secretory rate correlates with the pattern of intestinal movements of the proximal duodenum in the domestic chicken. The data also suggest the movement of chyme in the duodenum under ad libitum feeding conditions to be at a steady state during the light period. During the dark period, the intestinal movements and the flow of pancreatic juice are intermittent.