Effect of removal of caecal contents on nitrogen utilisation and nitrogen excretion in caecally ligated chickens fed on a low protein diet supplemented with urea

1. The effect of washing out the caecal contents on nitrogen utilisation an d nitrogen excretion were examined in Single Comb White Leghorn cockerels f ed on a 50 g/kg protein diet supplemented with urea. 2. Flushing out the caecal contents with saline in caecally ligated chicken s produced a significantly increased nitrogen balance and increased nitroge n utilisation (P<0.05). 3. Washing out the caecal contents significantly decreased uric acid excret ion but the treatment had no effect on urea and ammonia excretion. 4. Caecal bacterial contents were significantly decreased by caecal ligatio n and decreased further by washing out the caecal contents. 5. It is concluded that nitrogen metabolism in chickens is affected by poss ible changes in caecal fermentation produced by preventing substances from urine and digesta from entering the caeca.