Cecae of desert quail: importance in modifying the urine

The importance of the digestive ceca in the modification of ureteral urine was evaluated in conscious, unrestrained desert quail. Cecaectomized (Cx) birds took in slightly more food and water and excreted more solids and water than did sham operated controls. The percent utilization of food for the Cx birds was 76 and 79% for the sham operated controls. Urate output was 47 ml/kg day for Cx and 41 ml/kg day for the sham operated controls. Water content of the excrement was 90% for the Cx and 85% for the sham operated controls. There was a slight but insignificant increase in uric acid excretion in the droppings of cecaectomized birds.