The Growth-Promoting Action of Cellulose in Purified Diets for Chicks

Abstract

The addition of 5%, 10% and 15% of cellulose to a purified chick diet free of fiber but complete in all known nutrients resulted in a significant increase in growth. Additions of cellulose at levels ranging from 20% through 50% resulted in retarded growth but there was practically no mortality in these groups under the experimental conditions described. Possible reasons for the growth-promoting effect of cellulose are discussed.