MANIPULATION OF GASTROINTESTINAL NUTRIENT DELIVERY IN LIVESTOCK

Discussed herein are the constraints of nutrient delivery from the gas trointestinal tract that are placed on postabsorptive synthetic proces ses in highly selected strains of domestic livestock or livestock trea ted with growth promotants exogenously or via transgenic manipulation. Emphasis is placed on the discussion of recent advances in the knowle dge of the regulation and manipulation of digestion and the absorption by the intestinal epithelium. Slaframine, a muscarinic exocrine secre tagogue with a high affinity for the gastrointestinal tract, and epide rmal growth factor may have practical potential for the manipulation o f digestion and absorption, respectively. Special consideration is giv en to energetic considerations that must accompany any manipulation of gastrointestinal function. Down-regulation and up-regulation of mecha nisms must be equally considered as this area is explored further.