Amylase in chicken intestine and pancreas

1. The level and distribution of amylase in the chicken intestine and pancreas in addition to some of their properties were examined. 2. The level of amylase was found to be high in chickens and was present in all parts of the intestine except caeca where only traces were detected. 3. Most of the amylase activity was found in the contents of the jejunal part of the small intestine. This was attributed to the secretion from the intestinal tissue and the pancreas. 4. The investigation of different properties, namely, pH optimum, chloride ions effect and the effect of substrate concentration, revealed that the intestinal tissue amylase is different from pancreatic amylase. 5. As amylase in the intestine was found mainly confined to the jejunal lumenal contents, it is assumed that the jejunum is the major site of starch digestion in chickens.