Effect of Long Chain Keto Acids on Encephalomalacia in Chicks.

Abstract

The presence of oxidation products of long chain unsaturated fatty or“keto”acids, accelerated development of encephalomalacia in chicks kept on a diet containing corn oil. 12-Oxo-cis-9-octadecenoic acid was most potent keto acid tested to date and was most effective in presence of dietary source of unsaturated fatty acid such as corn oil. With basal diet containing 10% corn oil, clinical symptoms of encephalomalacia could be induced at end of 7 days by supplementing the diet with 0.25% of 12-oxo-cis-9-octadecenoic acid.