Poultry Digestive System

Esophagus Esophagus Crop Transports food by involuntary muscular contractions. Crop Enlargement of the esophagus Place of food storage Food is stored and moistened

Proventriculus More commonly known as the “Stomach” Secretes Hydrochloric Acid to break down proteins

Gizzard Largest organ of the bird’s digestion system Very muscular Involuntary muscular action grinds the food to break it up into pieces that are easier to digest

Small Intestine Duodenal Loop Small Intestine First part of the small intestine Digestive enzymes from the pancreas help break down proteins, starches, and fats Bile from the gall bladder are released to breakdown fats Small Intestine Primary site of nutrient absorption

Large Intestine Ceca 2 pouches where the small intestine connects to the large intestine Manufacture B-vitamins

Large Intestine cont. Large Intestine Cloaca Removes excess water from undigested food. Adds lubricating mucus to help pass material. Cloaca Opening for digestive, urinary, and reproductive tracks

Review CLOACA SMALL INTESTINE GIZZARD LARGE INTESTINE PROVENTRICULUS ESOPHAGUS CROP CAECA DUODENAL LOOP