THE EFFECT OF YEAST FEEDING ON SOME BLOOD CONSTITUENTS OF HENS

Abstract

Active yeast and taka-diastase possess the capacity of decomposing nucleic acid with the liberation of uric acid. Feeding hens active yeast produces an increase in plasma inorganic P and uric acid. Inactive (heated) yeast causes a drop in plasma inorganic P and a smaller rise in uric acid. The addition of taka-diastase to an inactive yeast ration makes it similar to an active yeast ration in so far as concerns the plasma inorganic P, uric acid, and protein fractions. The effect of a diet rich in nucleins on the inorganic P of blood plasma may depend also upon the presence of foreign nucleases in the intestines. The effect on blood composition of the addition of phosphates and carbohydrates to an active yeast ration was also studied and discussed.