Anatomo-topographic study of the digestive tract of the species Athene cunicularia (Strigiformes, Strigidae) and Tyto alba (Strigiformes, Tytonidae)

Abstract

The digestive system is the "compartment" of the body responsible for the maintenance of life, and the digestive tract of each bird adapted to process and utilize as efficiently as possible the food available in their habitat. In order to broaden the knowledge regarding the anatomical digestive tract of birds, was addressed in a study Anatomotopographic, four copies of birds, representatives of the order Strigiformes, donated by IBAMA, Uberlândia / MG. In the Research Laboratory of Wild Animals (LAPAS) UFU of the animals were photographed, identified as to genus and species and dissected for the purpose of obtaining information on topography, shape and dimensions of the segments of the digestive tract. At the end of the study were observed some differences in the topography, size and composition of the digestive tract. Most relevant features observed include lack of ingluvio and presence of developed caecum.