Avian Digestive Tract - Anatomy & Physiology
Introduction
Birds are endothermic vertebrates, many with a high core temperature of 41.3°C. The rapid heart rate (93-494 bpm)and respiratory rate (12-85) explain the fast metabolic rate of the avian species. This high basic metabolic rate influences the rate of drug absorbtion, metabolism and excretion and shoul be taken into account when anaesthetising these animals.
The avian ailimentary system differs immensely from the basic mammalian design.
