Division of Physiology and Reproduction, Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar - 243 122 (UP).
*Corresponding author: E.mail - rpmoudgal-@hotmail.com
1Department of Animal Science, M.J.P Rohilkhand University, Bareilly.
The effect of 17- â estradiol on food intake, food passage rate and in situ uptake of calcium, phosphorus and glucose from small intestine in White Leghorn cockerels were determined. Eighteen birds of same age and body weight were divided into three groups. The first group was treated as sham-operated control; the second group was orchiectomized bilaterally where as the third group was orchiectomized first and then treated with 17-â estradiol (1.0 mg/kg body weight) for five consecutive days. The food intake dropped significantly (P<0.05) on orchiectomy but this trend was numerically reversed on administration of 17-â estradiol in orchiectomized birds. Food passage time was also reduced significantly (P<0.05) on orchiectomy but estradiol treatment did not increase it. A significant (P<0.05) increase in uptake of calcium and phosphorus was observed in orchiectomized birds treated with estradiol. However, estrogen treatment did not change the glucose absorption as compared to orchiectomized untreated group. It is concluded that 17-â estradiol improves feed intake and absorption of calcium and phosphorus.
17-â estradiol, orchiectomy, food intake, food passage rate, nutrient uptake, cockerel
