The avian intestinal flora with particular reference to the possible ecological significance of the cecal anaerobic bacteria

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Abstract
The typical intestinal flora of the healthy chicken is considered, particularly in relation to the effect of age on the microbial flora of the duodenum, small intestine, and cecum. Detailed studies have been made with the cecal anaerobic bacteria. It has been found in chickens, turkeys, ducks, guinea fowl, and pheasants that bacteria present at generally more than 109/g cecal material (wet weight) are able to utilize uric acid. The possibility of a uric acid recycling mechanism and its significance in relation to the physiology of the birds are discussed.

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