Poultry Judging Practice Test

What is the primary function of the Ventriculus in poultry?

1. Absorption of nutrients

2. Mechanical digestion of feed

3. Production of enzymes

4. Storage of food

The correct answer is: Mechanical digestion of feed

The Ventriculus, also known as the gizzard, plays a crucial role in the mechanical digestion of feed in poultry. This organ is muscular and thick-walled, functioning as a grinding mechanism that breaks down hard feedstuffs. Poultry do not have teeth to chew their food, so the gizzard is essential for physically processing the feed, allowing the bird to extract necessary nutrients more effectively. This mechanical action is often assisted by grit, which birds consume to aid in grinding the food within the gizzard. While other options touch on aspects of poultry digestion or nutrient processing, they do not accurately represent the primary function of the Ventriculus. For instance, the absorption of nutrients primarily occurs in the intestines, not the gizzard. Similarly, the production of enzymes is a function of the pancreas and other digestive organs, rather than the gizzard itself. The gizzard also does not serve as a storage organ for food; that role is mainly performed by the crop. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the essential mechanical digestive role the Ventriculus plays in the overall digestive system of poultry.