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Explain the functions of the following parts of the digestive system of poultry: (i) The crop (ii) The gizzard. - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question h - 2009
Question h
Explain the functions of the following parts of the digestive system of poultry: (i) The crop (ii) The gizzard.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain the functions of the following parts of the digestive system of poultry: (i) The crop (ii) The gizzard. - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question h - 2009
Step 1
(i) The crop
Answer
The crop serves as a storage organ in the digestive system of poultry. It holds food temporarily, allowing for a gradual release into the digestive tract. This feature is especially important for birds that need to gather food quickly and digest it later, ensuring they can quickly return to other activities such as foraging or avoiding predators.
Step 2
(ii) The gizzard
Answer
The gizzard plays a crucial role in the physical digestion of food in poultry. It contains grit or sand that helps grind hard foods, such as seeds and cereals, into finer particles. This mechanical breakdown is aided by muscular contractions of the gizzard, making it easier for the digestive enzymes to act on the food.