Yolk utilisation in the newly hatched poult

Area of Science:

• Avian physiology
• Gastrointestinal physiology
• Nutrient absorption

Background:

• Yolk sac utilization is crucial for newly hatched birds.
• Understanding differences in yolk utilization between poults and chicks is important for poultry science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine yolk utilization routes in hatching poults.
• To compare intestinal digestion and absorption in poults versus chicks.
• To investigate age-related changes in nutrient absorption in poults.

Main Methods:

• Observation of yolk transfer to blood pre- and post-hatch.
• Tracking yolk transport from the yolk sac to the intestine.
• In situ uptake studies of glucose, methionine, and oleic acid in the duodenum.
• Analysis of lipid class distribution in intestinal contents.

Main Results:

• Poult yolk transport to blood is similar to chicks post-hatch.
• Yolk transport into the intestine occurs up to 120 hours post-hatch in poults, longer than in chicks.
• Poult duodenal uptake of methionine and oleic acid decreases with age, while chick uptake increases.
• Lipid hydrolysis increases with age in the poult intestine, with free fatty acids accumulating.

Conclusions:

• Poult yolk utilization and intestinal digestion show distinct patterns compared to chicks.
• Age-related decline in specific nutrient absorption capacity in poults is a key finding.
• Poult gastrointestinal physiology adapts differently to yolk utilization post-hatch.