The development of the digestive system of the young animal III. Carbohydrase enzyme development in the young lamb

Abstract

1. Twelve lambs varying in age from 5 to 35 days in age were slaughtered and their carbohydrate-digesting enzymes studied for any change in activity with increase in age. 2. Results are given for the changes in weight of different parts of the digestive organs and their contents, and for the content of NaCl and of total acidity in the abomasum contents. 3. Pancreatic and small intestine amylase showed only a slight increase in activity up to 5 weeks of age. 4. Lactase and maltase activity in the small intestine were almost constant from 1 week to 5 weeks of age. 5. No sucrase activity was measurable in any of the lambs slaughtered in either the small intestine wall or its contents. 6. A comparison was made between the carbohydrase activity of the young pig and the lamb. 7. Calculations based on the enzyme activities of the tissues showed the theoretical amounts of different carbohydrates which can be digested by lambs and young pigs of varying age groups. 8. The results suggest that the young lamb is dependent on the early development of its rumen fauna and flora for the utilization of all other carbohydrates except lactose and glucose.