Lack of a cephalic phase of gastric secretion in chickens.

Cannulae were surgically implanted in the caudoventral margin of the glandular stomach of 10 Single Comb White Leghorn hens to permit collection of gastric secretions. A total of 44 experiments was performed. The hens were fasted for 24 hr after which secretions were collected separately for three 20-min periods with 1) no food in sight, 2) food in sight but unavailable, and 3) food available. The volume, pH, and pepsin content of the secretions were not significantly changed between Periods 1 and 2, indicating no cephalic phase of gastric secretion. Secretory activity was significantly different between Periods 2 and 3, demonstrating the presence of a gastric phase of gastric secretion.