INTESTINAL GLUCOSE-ABSORPTION CAPABILITY OF HIGH, MEDIUM AND NON-LAYING BIRDS

Intestinal glucose uptake was measured in vivo using ligated upper ileum in high, medium and non-laying RIR birds. The biochemical changes in blood and absorbing cells of intestine of these birds were also studied. Significantly higher glucose absorption by the intestine was observed in the birds, laying either 50% (medium) or no eggs (non-layer). Significant increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase in the mucosal homogenates, prepared from the non-ligated ileum, was observed in these groups also. No significant difference in egg-yolk cholesterol was observed between medium and high laying birds although there was a sharp increase, in plasma cholesterol level in non-layers which declined in the egg-producing birds. Rate of lay did not change the plasma glucose concentration though higher plasma protein concentrations were found in high producing birds.