The Folic Acid Requirement of Chicks for Growth, Feathering and Hemoglobin Formation.

Abstract

Single Comb White Leghorn cockerels were fed a purified diet, plus a factor S concentrate equivalent to 5% yeast. Graded levels of synthetic folic acid were added and in 2 expts. succinylsulfa-thiazole, 1 or 2% of the diet, was included. Hb was measured by the oxy-Hb method with a Coleman spectrophotometer; feathering was scored on the chicks at 6 wks. of age, and the growth, smoothness, and condition of feathers were taken into consideration. Perosis occurred in each of the expts., and was more severe in chicks receiving the sulfonamide diet. Folic acid at high enough levels prevented perosis. The following amts. of folic acid, which include the amt. in the basal diet, were required for its several functions: for survival to 6 wks. of age, approx. 25 [gamma]/100 g.; for growth and Hb formation at 4 wks. of age, 45 [gamma]; for growth at 6 wks., 45 [gamma]; for Hb formation at 6 wks., 35 [gamma]; and for feathering at 6 wks. of age, not less than 55 7/100 g. of diet. The addition of succinylsulfathiazole at 1 or 2% of the diet had no effect on growth, feathering, or Hb formation in chicks to 6 wks. of age.