Functional maturation of the salt gland of the goose

1. 1. Experiments were carried out to determine the influence of age on salt gland secretion in the domestic goose. 2. 2. Oral or i.v. loading of hypertonic NaCl evoked a rapid secretory response in geese 6-14 weeks of age. 3. 3. A significantly smaller fraction of the salt load was secreted by older birds (2.2 kg and above) than by younger birds (< 2.2 kg). 4. 4. The maximum volume collected and the maximum sodium concentration during an 80 min observation period did not differ over a range of < 1 kg to > 4 kg in body weight. 5. 5. The maximum volume and sodium concentration/kg of body weight decreased significantly as the birds aged. 6. 6. A greater fraction of the administered water load was secreted by the salt gland at any time period compared to the fraction of the salt load secreted, indicating substantial cloacal excretion of the salt load.