DETERMINAÇÃO DO TEMPO DE TRÂNSITO DE INGREDIENTE PROTEICO UTILIZANDO O MÉDOTO DE ABSORCIOMETRIA DE DUPLA ENERGIA PARA AVES

The passage rate (PR) is influenced by the feed digestion in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and consequently by the absorption of nutrients. This, the objective of this research was to standardize a radiographic method to study the feed passage dynamics in the gastrointestinal tract of birds. Four birds were used. The ingredient used to evaluate the transit time in GIT was albumin and the animal model used was the Japanese quail. Compost suspensions were prepared by 57% of radiographic indicator, by 38% of ingredient and by 5% of saline solution. Albumin, barium sulfate 100% and a subsequent dilution in physiological saline were weighed to make the application viable. The mixture (2.5 ml) was injected directly into the animal esophagus with a gavage needle, which allows the feeding and dosing without affect to the animals. The passage of the ingredients in the GIT was followed by radiographic exams. The PR was determined by the observation of the first excreta after the mixture administration. To find the total retention time, the birds were sedated and radiographed until the total indicator elimination in the excreta. Albumin passage time was 38.35 minutes and its total retention time was 12 hours.