Concentrations of antisecretory factor in eggs and in chicken blood plasma

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Abstract
1. In the present study, the concentration of antisecretory factor (ASF), a lectin with hormone‐like properties, and with the capacity to regulate water and electrolyte transport in the small intestine, was higher in hen's egg yolk than in egg white (1·20 v. 0·46 units/ml). 2. The blood plasma concentrations of ASF activity were higher in d‐old chicks (1·03 units/ml) than in 7‐d‐oId (0·42 units/ml) or 21‐d‐old birds (0·18 units/ml); the contents were found to be high again in 35‐d‐old chickens, but to have decreased by 60 to 90% after transport to slaughter 1 day later. 3. The amount of ASF activity was lower in two groups of chickens manifesting patent loose droppings at slaughter (0·15 units/ml in one group, and 0·08 units/ml in the other), than in two groups with normal faecal consistency (0·65 units/ml in one group, and 0·72 units/ml in the other). 4. The results demonstrate the presence of ASF in eggs, and a variation of ASF activity in chickens blood plasma in relation to age, stress and faecal consistency. The interpretation of these data suggests a regulatory influence of ASF on chicken intestinal transport of water.