The Digestive System

Learning Objectives List the three types of digestive systems for animals. Describe the function of the digestive system. Name the parts of the digestive system in poultry and explain their function.

Types of Digestive Tracts Monogastric: one stomach Ruminant: multiple chambers Modified Monogastric: poultry/birds

Function of Digestive Tract Provide nutrients to the body

Modified Monogastric Poultry/Birds

Mouth (beak) No teeth – replaced by beak

Esophagus The tube that connects the mouth with the rest of the body

Crop Located in the neck region of the bird Part of the esophagus Used to store food until the bird is ready to digest more food Food is softened by saliva and secretions from the crop wall

Proventriculus True Stomach Secretes enzymes Passageway between crop and gizzard

Gizzard Unique to birds End of stomach before duodenum Made up of two smooth muscles Contains grit which acts as the birds teeth Feed is crushed and mixed with digestive juices

Small Intestine Made up of two parts –duodenum –lower small intestine Important to absorb nutrients

Ceca Have no real function

Large Intestine Additional absorption of water

Pancreas Located in the center of the duodenal loop Secretes pancreatic juice which neutralizes the enzymes secreted by the Proventriculus Helps break down fat

Liver Produces a dark green substance called bile Bile is necessary for the absorption of fat Bile is stored in the Gall Bladder

Cloaca The end of three different tracts –digestive –reproductive –excretory