EARLY POSTNATAL AMYLOLYSIS IN THE GASTROINTESTINAL-TRACT OF TURKEY POULTS MELEAGRIS-GALLOPAVO

The developmental pattern of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and its amylolytic capability were examined during the 10 days post-hatch in t urkey poults. The digestive capacity of the GIT increased to a peak va lue at 4 days of age and declined thereafter. Substantial amylolysis w as evident in the crop, whereas an insignificant amount of starch was hydrolyzed in the ventriculus and only residual amounts could be detec ted in the small intestine or cecum. The results indicate that despite a slight limitation in the secretory rate of pancreatic amylase, newl y hatched poults are capable of high amylolylic activity.