The bile acid composition of crane gallbladder bile

1. The biliary bile acids of the whooping crane (Grus americana) and the Florida sandhill crane (G. canadensis pratensis) have been examined.

2. Cholic acid (CA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDOCA) and lithocholic acid were found in bile from both species of these North American cranes.

3. CDOCA and CA were the primary bile acids in both species, together constituting 70% or more of the bile acids by weight.

4. The primary bile acids of cranes appear to be the same as those that have been identified in other avian species.