Changes in the concentration and composition of biliary and serum bile acids in the young domestic fowl

Abstract 1. Concentrations of biliary and serum bile acids, their molecular compositions and serum cholesterol concentrations were determined in chicks at 2, 3, 4 and 6 weeks of age. 2. The concentration of biliary bile acid was maximal at 3 to 4 weeks, decreasing by 6 weeks of age. 3. The serum concentration of bile acid was maximal at three weeks of age. 4. Serum total cholesterol increased from two weeks and was maximal at 6 weeks of age. 5. Chenodeoxycholic acid was the predominant biliary unconjugated bile acid. 6. Tauro‐chenodeoxycholic acid and tauro‐cholic acid were the dominant molecular species of biliary and serum conjugated bile acid.