Temporal control of feeding behaviour and its association with gastrointestinal function

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Physiology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Understanding temporal control of feeding is crucial for poultry production.
• Ad libitum feeding patterns are influenced by gastrointestinal function.
• Poultry feeding behavior involves complex regulatory mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize knowledge on temporal control of poultry feeding.
• To relate feeding patterns to gastrointestinal function.
• To explore the roles of hunger, satiety, and gut capacity.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on poultry feeding behavior.
• Analysis of temporal aspects of feeding from minute-to-minute to day-to-day.
• Discussion of gastrointestinal factors influencing food intake.

Main Results:

• Feeding initiation and termination exhibit loose control, governed by hunger and satiety.
• Short-term intake variations are linked to meal frequency; long-term changes to meal size.
• Gastrointestinal tract capacity and filling/emptying dynamics play key roles.

Conclusions:

• Poultry feeding is regulated by a combination of alimentary and metabolic controls.
• Meal size and frequency adjustments are key to voluntary food intake regulation.
• The crop and gizzard are central to managing food intake and digestion.