Specific features of the digestion and the metabolism of birds

Abstract

Compared to other species of farm animals, the chicken is characterized by high intensity of exchange processes, high absorption capacity and energy efficiency of feed promoting precocity and high productivity. It has a body temperature higher than that of mammals (40-42 °C), more oxygen consumption per unit of live weight, rapid breathing and pulse. Therefore, in order to maintain life, high metabolism and productivity of the bird needs a sufficient amount of energy and a complex of nutrients. The structure and functioning of the digestive system in birds have their own characteristics throughout its length, from the oral cavity to the cloaca. Organs of digestion in poultry include: oral cavity, pharynx, upper esophagus, goiter, lower esophagus, glandular and muscular stomachs, small intestine, caeca, rectum and cloaca, as well as the digestive glands pancreas and liver. The peculiarities of the structure and functioning of the digestive system include the absence of teeth; food is grasped by the beak and is swallowed whole, as well as the presence of the oropharynx.