Effect of removal of caecal contents on nitrogen utilisation and nitrogen excretion in caecally ligated chickens fed on a low protein diet supplemented with urea.

1. The effect of washing out the caecal contents on nitrogen utilisation and nitrogen excretion were examined in Single Comb White Leghorn cockerels fed on a 50 g/kg protein diet supplemented with urea. 2. Flushing out the caecal contents with saline in caecally ligated chickens produced a significantly increased nitrogen balance and increased nitrogen utilisation (P<0.05). 3. Washing out the caecal contents significantly decreased uric acid excretion but the treatment had no effect on urea and ammonia excretion. 4. Caecal bacterial contents were significantly decreased by caecal ligation and decreased further by washing out the caecal contents. 5. It is concluded that nitrogen metabolism in chickens is affected by possible changes in caecal fermentation produced by preventing substances from urine and digesta from entering the caeca.