Gut Stasis in Chickens Infected with Eimeria

Abstract

The duration and locations of gut stasis were examined in chickens infected with either Eimeria acervulina or E. maxima. Gut passage time (GPT) was used to determine gut stasis. The location of feed retention was determined qualitatively and quantitatively. Infections with both species were associated with increased GPT from Days 5 to 13 postinoculation. Feed appeared to be retained in the crop and gizzard of infected birds when judged visually. However, measurements of total dry matter retained in various regions of the gastrointestinal tract did not differ significantly from each other.