The pH of the upper but not lower gastro-intestinal tract
(except duodenum) was influenced by the butyric acid
treatment in the present study (Table 3). The pH of crop,
proventiculus and gizzard reduced significantly in the entire
butyrate treatment groups compared to control and
furazolidone group. Amongst the butyrate groups, pH of
crop, proventiculus and gizzard was further reduced in 0.4
and 0.6% butyrate compared to 0.2% butyrate. Duodenal
pH was comparatively lower in the 0.4 and 0.6% butyrate
group compared to control, antibiotic or 0.2% butyrate
group. However, no such effect was found in subsequent
lower tract. The pH of jejunum and ileum was comparable
among all the dietary treatments.