Poultry Judging Practice Test

What is the function of the "Ventriculus"?

1. Absorb nutrients

2. Regulate temperature

3. Grind coarse food

4. Store food

The correct answer is: Grind coarse food

The ventriculus, also known as the gizzard, is a muscular part of the digestive system in birds that plays a crucial role in processing food. Its primary function is to grind coarse food particles, which aids in the digestion of fibrous materials that birds may consume, such as seeds and grains. The gizzard contains strong muscles and often small stones or grit that help to mechanically break down the food, increasing the surface area for digestive enzymes to act upon and thereby improving nutrient absorption downstream in the digestive tract. This is essential for birds, as they often ingest food that is hard or tough, and the gizzard's grinding action compensates for the lack of teeth in their anatomy. Understanding the function of the ventriculus is key in poultry management, as it directly relates to the efficiency of nutrient utilization, growth performance, and overall health of the birds.