The Gizzard Factor of the Chick

Abstract

Gizzard erosions or lesions of the chick are caused by a deficiency in the diet of a fat-soluble factor. This factor is not identical with any of the known vitamins. The gizzard factor appears to be comparatively unstable being easily destroyed by heat and by alcoholic potash. It is readily adsorbed from solution in hexane by activated magnesium oxide. It appears to be in the saponifiable fraction. The best practical sources of this factor yet found are fresh and dried greens and wheat bran. Presence or absence of gizzard erosions or of the gizzard factor in the diet has no appreciable effect on the growth of chicks.