Effect of “Meal Eating” Versus “Nibbling” on Body Composition and Digestive Organ Weight of Normal and Cropectomized Chickens

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Abstract
The crop was surgically removed from one week old chickens. The effects of meal eating (two one-hour feeding periods per day) versus nibbling (food available continuously) was then studied in cropectomized and normal birds. In one experiment, birds remained on their particular feeding schedule until they attained a given body weight. In a second experiment, food intake was equalized among all four groups with two groups consuming it in two one-hour periods, the other two throughout the day. Meal eating significantly increased the weight of the esophagus and gizzard plus the proventriculus. Body fat was significantly reduced and body water increased on meal eating. Protein content of carcass remained unaltered. Crop removal in the chicken greatly exaggerated the effects of meal eating. The effects of meal eating versus nibbling on body composition are the reverse of those observed in the rat.