each other at 7 and 21 d, and densities did not differ
at any age, except for IW at 7 d and JD at 21 d. The
weights of intestinal segments were heavier in D- than
in RL birds at 53 d. The differences in the development
of the upper and lower parts of the GIT resulted in
greater PVG/INT ratio values in D+ birds than in RL
and D- birds at all ages, with differences being not
signifi cant between D- and RL birds. Differences were
greatest at 21 d, with values for D+ birds being twice
as high as for RL and D- at this age. Finally, the pH
of gizzard content was lower (P < 0.05) in D+ than in
D- and RL birds at 21 d. The pH of ileum content was
higher(P < 0.05) in D+ birds than in D- birds at 21 and
53 d, but lower than in RL birds at 7 d.