Effect of Vitamin D and Ca:P Ratios on Chick Gastrointestinal Tract

Abstract

The effect of feeding diets containing various Ca:P ratios (4:1, 1:1, 1:2) to rachitic and nonrachitic chicks has been studied. The Ca:P ratios used had no significant effect on Ca absorption in chicks receiving vitamin D but were of importance in the Ca absorption of rachitic chicks. Vitamin D was found to increase Ca absorption in chick duodenum but had no effect on glucose absorption. Increased peristalsis was obtained when vitamin D or the least rachitogenic Ca:P ratio (1:1) was fed. A possible increase in intestinal mucosa respiration was also observed when vitamin D or the 1:1 Ca:P ratio was fed.