A Simplified Method for Separation of Urine and Feces in the Immature Fowl. ∗ †

Abstract

The urine of the fowl flows from the ureters into the cloaca where it becomes mixed with feces; consequently, the collection of un-contaminated samples of urine or feces presents considerable practical problems. Non-surgical methods such as collecting urine by means of a funnel inserted into the uro-deum were employed by Davis(l) and Coul-son and Hughes(2), and the cannulation of the ureters has been employed to measure urine flow(3). The catheter (funnel) and cannula techniques facilitate only the collection of urine and, at best, for only limited periods (usually one-half to 24 hours). Ex-teriorization of the ureteral openings has been described by Hart and Essex(4) and more recently by Ainsworth (5). The latter method requires several incisions and sutures and usually requires that the bird wear a harness to facilitate urine and/or feces collection. A method has also been described for constructing an artificial anus (4), but the authors reported that birds remained suitable for experimental purposes for only 2 or 3 weeks. The method described here does not suffer from many of these disadvantages.

Arzesthesia. White-Leghorn cockerels of approximately 9 weeks of age were selected and fasted 8 hours to insure that all feces were voided from the lower portion of the gut. The birds were given a general anesthetic by administering 20 mg,' kg body weight of pentobarbital sodium, (Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago? Ill.) Anesthetic was administered intravenously (wing vein) and very slowly until the birds showed virtually no responie to pinching the comb. pinching the comb. Anesthesia accompliihetl in this way lasted about 45 minutei to one hour which mas sufficient time to complete the operation.

Surgical Techniques. When aneithesia was complete, feathers were removed from an area about 60 cm ² in the vicinity of the cloacal orifice, and the area swabbed lightly with alcohol. An incision approximately 1 cm long was then made perpendicular to the midline and approximately 1 cm anterior to the anal orifice.