Studies on the Enlarged Hock Disorder (Perosis) in Turkeys

Abstract

The results presented in this report further emphasize the primary importance of choline in the prevention of perosis in turkeys. In no instance was perosis completely prevented as long as the choline level in the diet was below 850 mg per pound. When animal protein was omitted from the diet, choline was ineffective in completely preventing perosis unless the diet also contained betaine or a relatively high level of glycine and vitamin B₁₂. Both sarcosine and creatine were as active in the prevention of perosis as betaine, and more active than glycine, under similar conditions. The possible interconversion of these substances during metabolism is discussed.