Patterns of cloacal water and electrolyte excretion in constantly-loaded intact and colostomized ducks (Anas platyrhynchos).

1. The patterns of cloacal water and electrolyte excretion were qualitatively similar in intact and chronically colostomized ducks given oral loads of either distilled water or electrolyte solution. 2. The rates of Na+ and K+ excretion were each selectively increased in birds loaded with solutions containing a relatively higher concentration of each ion. 3. Compared to the intact birds, the colostomized birds showed lower rates of electrolyte excretion following administration of identical electrolyte loads and thus appeared to be retaining electrolyte. 4. At the same time, a significant antidiuresis of similar magnitude occurred in each group of saline-loaded birds. 5. The possible contributions of renal and post-renal mechanisms to the overall conservation of water in intact and colostomized ducks are discussed.