The development of the digestive system of the young animal IV. Proteolytic enzyme development in the young lamb

Abstract

1. The digestive organs and contents of twelve lambs, varying in age from 1 to 5 weeks, have been examined for their proteolytic enzyme activity at pH 1·8, 3·5 and 8·5.2. Enzyme activity at 1·8 was present only in the abomasum and its contents.3. All tissues and contents examined were active on haemoglobin at pH 3·5.4. Small intestine contents and pancreas alone were active on azocasein at pH 8·5.5. The majority of tissues and contents increased their proteolytic activity with increase in age. The abomasum wall, however, increased in activity up to 21 days and thereafter decreased, both at pH 1·8 and 3·5.6. Milk-clotting action was measured on abomasum wall and contents. There was an absence of milk clots in the abomasum after 21 days, by which time rumen function had commenced.