The Hydrogen Ion Concentration in Avian Digestive Tracts

Abstract

A NUMBER of investigations have been made concerning the hydrogen ion concentration in the digestive tracts of chickens. McLaughlin (1931) using electrometric methods determined the hydrogen ion concentration in the proventriculus, gizzard, duodenum, ileum, and caecum. Ashcraft (1932) with a quinhydrone electrode studied the pH of the caecal contents under the influence of several diets. Mussehl, Blish, and Ackerson (1935), also using a quinhydrone electrode, showed in an extensive investigation that various diets produced little change in the hydrogen ion concentration of the proventriculus and gizzard and practically no change in the intestine and caecum. These observations were confirmed by Heller and Penquite (1936). Their data showed that while basic salts may raise the pH in the gizzard and crop, the intestine and caeca are unaffected. Mayhew (1935) using colorimetric meth1ods investigated the digestive tracts of young and adult chickens and found no significant age or sex differences. Leasure and . . .