Quantitation of intestinal D-xylose absorption in normal turkeys.

Both a standard method and a modified micromethod of quantitating intestinal D-xylose absorption were successfully performed in turkeys. Absorption peaks and curves for both tests closely resembled those observed in humans. The micromethod was preferred because it could be performed in poults as young as 3 days of age, required a smaller sample size, and was more economical and less time-consuming. Both tests were suitable for experimental and clinical determination of small intestinal absorptive function in the turkey.