Poultry Judging Practice Test

Which section of the digestive tract is important for nutrient absorption in chickens?

1. Crop

2. Duodenum

3. Cloaca

4. Gizzard

The correct answer is: Duodenum

The duodenum is the correct choice as it plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption in chickens. This section of the digestive tract comes immediately after the proventriculus, which is the glandular stomach that secretes digestive enzymes. The duodenum is where the partially digested food, or chyme, from the proventriculus mixes with bile and pancreatic juices. These substances contain enzymes that break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, allowing nutrients to be effectively absorbed through the walls of the intestine into the bloodstream. This nutrient absorption is vital for the overall health and growth of chickens, as it ensures they receive the necessary vitamins, minerals, and energy from their feed. The efficiency of this process significantly influences the bird's performance, including weight gain and egg production. In contrast, the other parts mentioned have different roles. For example, the crop primarily serves as a storage area for food before it passes to the stomach, while the cloaca is involved in the excretion of waste and reproduction. The gizzard functions as a muscular organ that grinds food, which is important for digestion but does not directly absorb nutrients. These roles underscore the specialized function of each section in the digestive tract, with the duodenum standing out as the