Alimentary Absorption of L-Arabinose and D-Xylose in Chicks.

Abstract

Studies were conducted to determine the alimentary absorption of L-arabinose and D-xylose in chicks during 30 min. following dose by stomach-tube. The rates of absorption of L-arabinose and D-xylose were compared to that of D-glucose from 3-12 days of age. Absorption velocity of L-arabinose was lower than that of D-glucose and D-xylose. This age range did not influence the absorption rate of any of the test sugars. Increase in dose concentration correspondingly increased rate of absorption. The data suggest that at lower dose concentration D-glucose is absorbed more rapidly than D-xylose, but at higher concentration absorption rates of the 2 sugars are reversed. The chick''s gut possesses selective absorption capacity as early as 3 days of age.