In poultry, where does the feed first go to be softened?

In poultry, the crop serves as the first location where feed is temporarily stored and softened before it progresses further into the digestive system. The crop is a pouch-like structure located at the base of the esophagus. It allows chickens and other birds to store food and begins the digestion process through the action of moisture and fermentation. The presence of saliva mixed with the feed in the crop helps to soften the food, making it easier to digest later on.

After the crop, the feed moves into the gizzard, where it is subjected to more mechanical processing with the help of grit and muscular contractions. However, it is primarily in the crop where the feed is initially softened. Understanding the role of the crop in the avian digestive system highlights its importance in the preparation of feed for further digestion.