Effect of feed and water withdrawal on shear strength of broiler gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract

The effects of length of feed (0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h) and water (with and without) withdrawal and sex of broilers on gastrointestinal (GI) fragility (shear strength) and moisture content were determined. The length of feed withdrawal and sex of broilers had significant (P less than .05) effects on shear strength of various segments of the GI tract. Shear values of GI segments increased with time after feed withdrawal, and values were higher for males than females. Access to water did not affect these results. With the exception of the duodenum, moisture content of GI segments did not differ by sex. Shear values and moisture content of the GI segments were not correlated.