[The regulation of feed intake and selection with special reference to poultry]

Feed intake is regulated in a dialogue between the animal and the feed, which is influenced by numerous factors. The hypothalamus has a central integrative function. Furthermore, caudal brain areas (medulla oblongata, pons) are of importance because these areas are relays of peripheral signals and gustatory afferents. All peripheral informations are integrated by various neurotransmitters and neurohormones. The function of this neuronal system is not exactly known yet. Sensorial informations, mechano-, chemo- and osmoreceptors of the gastrointestinal tract and gastrointestinal hormones are discussed as influences of the periphery. The physiological satiety function of cholecystokinin is questionable in poultry. Hepatic chemoreceptors, which are activated by various metabolites, influence the amount of feed ingested. The feed choice appears to be regulated by the same mechanisms. Our knowledge about the translation of peripheral signals into choice behaviour by changes of neurotransmitter systems is limited.