Abstracts of Papers Presented at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Poultry Science Association

Abstracts of Papers Presented at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Poultry Science Association (Listed alphabetically according to the surname of the senior author) TOTAL LIPID AND PHOSPHOLIPID IN TURKEY TISSUES SOCORRO 0. ACOSTA, W. W. MARION AND R. H. FORSYTHE

Iowa State University of Science and Ames, Iowa

Technology,

1 Published as Paper No. 5086, Scientific Journal Series of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station.

THE RATE OF SOLIDS ACCUMULATION IN EXPERIMENTAL MICRO-LAGOONS AS AFFECTED BY VARIOUS FACTORS ALI A. A L - T I M I M I AND J O H N L. ADAMS

SOME BIOCHEMICAL ASPECTS OF FOWL SEMEN 1

University of Nebraska, Lincoln 3, Neb.

B. S. AHMJWALIA AND E. F. GRAHAM

University of Minnesota, St. Paul 1, Minn. Seminal plasma and spermatozoa from low and high fertility semen and from pooled semen was analyzed for amino acids and carbohydrates. Fatty acids were determined from seminal plasma only. Carbohydrates present in seminal plasma were inositol (20.4 mg. % ) , glucose (3.1 mg. %), and glycerol (2.8 mg. % ) ; spermatozoa contained inositol (8.8 mg. % ) , glucose (11.2 mg. % ) , and erythritol (5.0 mg. % ) . All amino acids are present in fowl semen. In seminal plasma, glutamic

Sixteen stainless steel tanks (micro-lagoons) were placed under hens in cages and manure allowed to accumulate in water for 20 weeks. Pairs of tanks were arranged to test various factors as affecting rate of accumulation of solids: (1) Heating to constant 96°F., (2) Aeration with 57 ml. of air per cu. ft. per minute, (3) Combined heating and aeration, (4) Cubage allowances varying from .89 to 7.00 cu. ft. per bird, (5) Surface areas of .89 and 1.78 sq. ft. per bird.

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A study was conducted on total lipid and phospholipid content of white and red muscle, liver, heart, and gizzard from 16 week old large White turkey males. These were stored for 0 or 60 days at —25°C. A mixture of chloroformmethanol (2:1 v./v.) was used for total lipid extraction. The lipid phosphorus was determined after wet oxidation of an aliquot of the total lipid extract; the aliquot contained about 5-125 ]ig. of phosphorus. The percent total lipid of dry tissues (stored 0 days) was as follows; white muscle, 3.81; red muscle, 6.88; liver, 16.03; heart, 13.99; and gizzard, 6.22. The percent total phospholipid (P content X25) was 2.38, 4.38, 15.09, 12.S0 and 4.08, respectively. There was no change in the total lipid content of tissues after 60 days storage, however, there was an apparent decrease in the phospholipid content: white muscle, 1.65; red muscle, 3.70; liver, 14.97; heart, 9.88; and gizzard, 3.68. This observation suggests that during low temperature storage of meat biochemical changes occur, possibly oxidative or enzymatic, which result in reduced detectable amounts of total phospholipid.

acid represented about 90% of the total amino acids while aspartic acid (3.15 mg. % ) , serine (2.08 mg. % ) , taurine (3.81 mg. %), threonine (3.06 mg. %), arginine (18.58 mg. % ) , histidine (3.48 mg. % ) , methionine (5.81 mg. % ) , tyrosine (5.35 mg. % ) , and tryptophane (4.26 mg. %) were found. Amino acids present in spermatozoa are glutamic acid (192.5 mg. % ) , alanine (4.65 mg. % ) , serine (6.09 mg. % ) , arginine (10.78 mg. % ) , and lysine (12.84 mg. % ) . Other amino acids are present in negligible amounts. All "essential" amino acids were present in significantly larger quantities in seminal plasma of high fertility birds. The only saturated fatty acid present in seminal plasma is stearic acid (36.96 mg. % ) ; the unsaturated fatty acids are oleic acid (33.90 mg. % ) , linoleic acid (12.28 mg. % ) , linolenic acid (2.65 mg. %), arachidonic acid (3.20 mg. % ) , and pentaenoic acid (1.54 mg. % ) . Linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid are present in significantly higher amounts in high fertility semen. The optimum pH and osmotic pressure necessary for storage of semen is 6.8 and 360 milliosmoles.

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* All means are for the two-week period in grams.

ASSAY FOR THE UNIDENTIFIED GROWTH FACTOR IN DRIED WHEY Y. Y. AL-UBAIDI AND H. R. BIRD

University of Wisconsin, Madison,

essential amino acid levels provided by peanut meal were calculated by using values given by Almquist. The calculated levels were compared to the proportions which our previous experiments indicated were needed to make a well balanced ration to determine the level of each essential amino acid in the mixture. The ration with the complete mixture was fed along with six more rations each of which had one of the essential amino acids replaced by more glycine. Significant reductions in growth rate were noted when valine, threonine, lysine, or methionine and cystine were replaced. The order which these amino acids become limiting is as follows: methionine and cystine; lysine; threonine; and valine. Replacing the leucine or tryptophan produced smaller reductions in growth rate. Similar experiments were conducted with a 22.5% protein ration based on corn and peanut meal. This ration was found to be slightly deficient in valine and threonine as well as having the previously recognized deficiencies of lysine and methionine.

Wis.

The assay of Barnett and Bird (Poultry Sci. 35:705-710, 1956) with slight modifications, was adapted for the study of the U.G.F. in dried whey. The diet was adequate in all known required nutrients. Four experiments of four weeks' duration were conducted. Negative controls on basal diet alone and different levels of fish solubles and dried whey were compared. Each treatment group consisted of 10-day-old chicks (N.H. X S.C.W.L.). Four percent of dried whey yielded a maximal or near maximal response of approximately 30 grams increased weight at 4 weeks. The assay distinguishes between two different factors in dried whey and fish solubles. There appears to be a detectable level of whey factor in fish solubles, and there is probably some fish factor in whey. ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID BALANCE IN PEANUT MEAL AND IN CORN AND PEANUT MEAL RATIONS J. O. ANDERSON AND R. E. WARNICK

Utah State University, Logan, Utah Chicks were fed semipurified rations containing 18% protein from peanut meal and 1.55% protein from mixtures of amino acids. The complete mixture included glycine, lysine, threonine, valine, leucine, tryptophan, methionine and cystine. The

THE ROLE EXPECTATIONS OF SUBJECT MATTER SPECIALISTS W. G. ANDREWS

North Carolina State College, Raleigh, N.C. The primary objective of this study was to identify the role expectations of the subject matter specialists in the North Carolina Agricultural Extension Service. Sixty activities of subject matter specialists were used in the study. The activities of the specialists in relation to the county agricultural agents were divided into three major areas as follows: program planning and evaluation, training and teaching county extension workers and others, and cooperation and coordination with related groups. Fifty-eight of the sixty activities were perceived by either the specialists, the agents, and the specialists and the agents as having significant expectations from present performance. Only nine activities of the specialists were viewed by the specialists as favoring more assistance and by the agents as favoring less assistance or vice versa. Both specialists and agents expect a considerable amount of assistance to be given to county program planning and evaluation. They also feel the specialists should promote a better understanding of the extension program with related educators and the general public. Cooperation of the specialists with the research staff and the county agents in conducting field

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There were no significant effects by the factors studied on rate of solids accumulation. Average % dry matter for the 16 tanks after 20 weeks was 1.437%. An association between hen weight, weight of eggs laid, weight of feed consumed and rate of dry matter buildup was noted. The birds in this study were typical of commercial egg production strains having averaged 66.1% production of 58.7 gram eggs with feed consumption of .246 lbs. per day. Multiple regression coefficients were calculated and a formula set up for predicting the % dry matter change in a 3.5 cu. ft. per bird lagoon for a two-week period. Predicted change in % dry matter* = .0743 — (.000011) (mean hen wt.) — (.000119) (total wt. of eggs) -)- (.000098) (total wt. of feed consumed)

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AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENTATION OF A CORN-SOYBEAN OIL MEAL CHICK RATION C. E . ASKELSON AND S. L . B A I X O U N

Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa

PITUITARY GONADOTROPIN CONTENT IN TURKEYS WAYNE BACON, F. L. CHERMS, JR. AND W. H. MCSHAN

University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis. Pituitaries from male and female turkeys, hatched January 11 and 15th, were collected every two weeks beginning at one day of age up to 34 weeks of age. The birds were maintained on natural daylight after reaching 12 weeks of age. Each pituitary was divided macroscopically into the cephalic and caudal lobe. The pituitaries of each age group were pooled and homogenized in distilled water and frozen until time of assay. Gonadotropic activity was determined by the P32 method of Breneman et al. (Endo. 71:790) and results expressed as micrograms equivalent of N.I.H.-L.H. per mg. of fresh pituitary tissue. Analysis of variance of the gonadotropin content (per mg. of wet tissue) of the whole pituitary showed significant (P < 0.01) increases to a peak

THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES ON THE METABOLIC ACTIVITY, MORPHOLOGY, AND FERTILIZING ABILITY OF TURKEY SPERMATOZOA P. K. BAJPAI AND K. I. BROWN

Ohio Agricultural Experiment Wooster, Ohio

Station,

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of different temperatures on metabolic activity, bent spermatozoa (morphology) and fertilizing capacity of turkey spermatozoa. Pooled semen samples from a minimum of ten Large White toms were used for all trials. The effect of temperatures on the metabolic activity of turkey spermatozoa was studied by subjecting the spermatozoa to temperatures of 0, 5, 15, and 25°C. for 10 minutes. Immediately after this the samples were diluted ten-fold in phosphate buffer (F.P.D.-0.65°C). The oxygen consumption was determined by standard Warburg techniques. The effect of different storage temperatures on the incidence of bent spermatozoa in turkey semen was studied by subjecting semen samples to temperatures of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25°C. After 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes of storage the incidence of bent spermatozoa was determined. Fertilizing ability of spermatozoa collected directly into vials maintained at 10, 15, 20, and 25 °C. was studied, using 3 replicates of 16 hens each per treatment. After two and one-half hours the microlitres of oxygen consumed by turkey spermatozoa subjected to 15°C. for ten minutes was significantly (P < .01) greater than the amount of oxygen consumed by turkey spermatozoa subjected to temperatures of 0, 5, and 25°C. After two hours of storage the incidence of bent spermatozoa in turkey semen subjected to 15°C. temperature was significantly lower than the

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Experiments were designed to observe the effects of crystalline amino acid supplementation of an 18 percent protein diet, which contained corn and soybean oil meal as the only sources of intact protein, on chick growth and feed efficiency. The results of these experiments indicate that the basal diet was deficient in lysine, methionine and glycine as measured by its ability to support maximum chick growth at this particular protein level. Of these three amino acids, methionine was the first limiting amino acid, followed by lysine and then glycine. A maximum response in chick growth and feed efficiency was not obtained unless the basal diet was supplemented with all three amino acids in combination. Further supplementation of the basal diet with arginine, threonine, valine, histidine, tryptophan and isoleucine did not improve chick growth or feed efficiency.

at 22 weeks (maximum photoperiod) of age in each sex. After 22 weeks of age the gonadotropin content slowly declined until the end of the experiment. A significant (P < 0.02) correlation of 0.685 in males and 0.732 in females was found between photoperiod and gonadotropin level of the whole gland from 14 to 34 weeks of age. There was a significantly (P < 0.01) higher level of gonadotropin of the male caudal lobe over the cephalic lobe. In females a significantly (P < 0.05) higher level of gonadotropin was found in the cephalic lobe.

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incidence of bent spermatozoa in turkey semen subjected to temperatures of 0, 5, and 10°C. Exposure of turkey semen to 10, IS, 20, and 25 °C. did not affect the fertility and hatchability on immediate insemination. CONSUMER PREFERENCES AND THEIR APPLICATION TO EGG GRADING STANDARDS AND MARKETING PROCEDURES QUENTIN D. BANKS* AND LEONARD A. Voss

University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo.

* Present address: Extension Division, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas.

T H E EFFECT OF ANTIBIOTICS UPON THE GROWTH-DEPRESSING EFFECT OF URIC ACID IN CHICKS L. N. BARE, R. F. WISEMAN AND O. J. ABBOTT

University of Kentucky,

Lexington,

Ky.

Wiseman (1956) proposed that chicks grow better when the conditions of diet and antibiotic supplement encourage the increase in numbers and activity of uricolytic bacteria. To determine whether uric acid is growth-depressing and to determine whether a uricolytic flora is beneficial,

VARIATION IN EGG YOLK PIGMENTATION B. D. BARNETT AND J. F. STEPHENS

Clemson Agricultural College, Clemson, S.C. Egg yolks from hens fed a 25% Bermuda grass diet were seen to vary from 8 to 21 in HeimanCarver score with an average of 19. Individual hens tended to produce a characteristic yolk color over a period of eight months. Small groups of hens (12 or 13 per group), selected on the basis of yolk color produced, were studied to determine factors correlated with Heiman-Carver score. Feed: egg ratio was most important of factors studied with a correlation coefficient of 0.63. Other coefficients were egg weight —0.02, body weight 0.16, and rate of production —0.23. Feces from birds producing pale yolks were given orally to birds producing dark yolks and nihydrazone at 0.02% was fed to birds producing pale yolks. Little change in their yolk pigmenting characteristic was noted. Pale yolk and dark yolk birds were similar insofar as intestinal content of total aerobes, total anerobes, Iactobacilli, coliforms, enterococci, staphylococci, yeasts and filamentous fungi. Birds producing pale yolk eggs tended to have more coccidial oocysts. No differences were observed in ascarid numbers although all birds were heavily infested. Capillarids were not observed in any group.

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Cartons of eggs were delivered to 210 St. Louis households weekly for six weeks. Four cartons consisted of all combinations of Grade A and B albumen quality; and medium orange and light lemon yellow yolks. Each respondent also received a carton each of mixed grades and mixed yolk colors. Rating scores and comments were the basis for preference analysis. Grade A was preferred but Grade B was completely satisfactory to over 50 percent of the respondents. Comments indicated that 73 percent of the respondents did not differentiate between the grades. Medium orange yolks were preferred. Supplementary data obtained through the use of colored discs indicated about 45 percent preferred the medium orange yolk and the remainder was divided equally between preference for lighter and darker yolks. Yolk color and grade preference had about the same influence on the consumer's evaluations. Mixed color and grade scores indicated that albumen quality and yolk color were more important than uniformity. Findings indicate possible increased sales of eggs by (1) including the upper fourth of Grade B albumen quality in Grade A, (2) offering yolk color choices with color identification on the carton.

day-old (Vantress X Arbor Acre) male chicks were fed a uric acid-containing diet, with and without a zinc bacitracin-procaine penicillin mixture. After four weeks, the chicks receiving the diet without antibiotics showed a 10% weight depression, but this depression was not detected in the chicks receiving uric acid and antibiotics or in the control groups. Bacteriological analysis of the small intestinal contents, revealed an increase in numbers of uricolytic Aerobacter spp. and an increased degradation of uric acid, in the tract of the "uric-antibiotic" chicks. Antibiotic assay showed rapid penicillin inactivation in the tract, but persistence of the bacitracin. While the beneficial response and increased uricolysis was observed only in the "uric-antibiotic"-fed chicks, the level of antibiotic activity was lower in these chicks.

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FURTHER STUDIES ON SUBSTITUTED BENZAMIDES FOR THE PREVENTION OF COCCIDIOSIS IN CHICKENS ROBERT R. BARON, M. W. MOELLER ANDN. F. MOREHOUSE

Dr. Salsbury's Laboratories,

Charles City,

Iowa

HISTOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE PINEAL BODY OF NORMAL AND LIGHT TREATED BIRDS 1 P. K. BASRUR AND C. M. WINGET

Ontario Veterinary College and Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, Ont., Canada The morphological and histochemical features of the pineal body of normal (14 hours of light) and light treated (total darkness) birds have been examined. Various combinations of stains such as Periodic acid schiff-hematoxylin, Giemsa-acid fuchsin and Carbol fuchsin-eosin have been tested for histochemical detection of the cell types. In the normal bird the epithelial pineal cells

1 This work was partially supported by Canada Department of Agriculture (EMR-127).

INTERACTIONS OF LIGHTING REGIMES, STOCK AND FEEDING METHODS ON BROILER PERFORMANCE W. L. BEANE, P. B. SIEGEL AND H. S. SIEGEL

Virginia Polytechnic Institute,

Blacksburg,

Va.

Performance of broiler crosses on tubes vs. troughs and mash vs. crumbles under different lighting schedules were determined utilizing 1000 males in each of two experiments. Experiment 1: Greater growth was observed throughout in both stocks, on either tubes or troughs, for 23-hour light groups compared to 16hour light groups (13 hour light period plus three one-hour light periods with two hours darkness between each light period). Tube-fed broilers were heavier at three and six weeks than those fed from troughs. At nine weeks there was a significant light X feeder interaction. Under the longer light schedule, trough-fed broilers were heavier; whereas, under the shorter light, tube-fed broilers were heavier. Differences between main variables were not significant for feed conversion, however, a light X feeder interaction was observed at three weeks. Experiment 2: Body weights were significantly greater for mash-fed and crumble-fed broilers reared under continuous light than for those given eight consecutive hours of daily light. Stock X light, stock X feed and light X feed interactions were observed at three weeks of age but not at six or nine weeks. Crumble-fed birds were signifi-

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The benzoic acid derivative, 2-chloro-4-nitrobenzamide, was found effective for the prevention and control of coccidiosis in chickens. This compound was tested for efficacy against Eimeria tenella, E. necatrix, and E. acervulina, the species of greatest economic importance. Anticoccidial activity of 2-chloro-4-nitrobenzamide was determined in combination with a sulfonamide, N 4 acetyl N 1 (4-nitrophenyl) sulfanilamide. Coccidiosis mortality was prevented at feed concentrations of 0.02% of the sulfonamide and 0.025% of 2-chloro-4-nitrobenzamide. Other indications of morbidity associated with coccidiosis such as hemorrhage, enteritis, weight loss, and abnormal droppings were not evident. The efficacy of this combination of compounds against coccidiosis was evaluated in a series of experiments totaling 541 birds in 32 groups infected with E. tenella, 576 birds in 33 groups infected with E. necatrix, and 593 birds in 33 groups infected with E. acervulina. When 11,363 broilers were raised under semicommercial conditions in 14 eight-week floor-pen feeding trials, 5,681 birds receiving the above combination of medications performed at least as well as the controls with respect to growth and feed use. Only one death from coccidiosis occurred in the medicated groups compared to 25 nonmedicated control chicks.

are uniform in size and show large vesicular nuclei and homogeneous cytoplasm. The thin connective tissue capsule is lined with blood vessels and extends into the interior of the pineal parenchyma. In all histological sections a large mass of lymphocytes is observed at the base of the epiphyseal stalk. The interstitial connective tissue meshes show a large number of single lymphocytes, undifferentiated glial cells, and a few large epithilioid cells. These epithilioid cells exhibit coarse chromatin, large nucleolei, finely granulated cytoplasm which stains deep magenta with Giemsa-acid fuchsin, and a distinct nonstaining juxta-nuclear zone. The parenchymal cells showed no change in morphology or staining behaviour when the birds were maintained in total darkness (24 hours). However, the large epithelioid cells of the septum showed no magenta-coloured granulation, indicating that these cells are light responsive.

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cantly heavier at nine weeks than mash-fed groups. No significant differences or interactions were observed for feed conversion. STORING HATCHING EGGS IN PLASTIC BAGS W. A. BECKER, J. V. SPENCER AND J. L. SWARTWOOD

Washington State University, Pullman, Wash.

* Cryovac—W. R. Grace Company, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

T H E EXTENSION AND PROPER APPLICATION OF PRODUCTION COST INFORMATION R. P. BENTZ

University of Illinois, Urbana, III. Many people are centering their attention on costs of egg production as the egg industry becomes commercialized. But confusion has resulted due to inappropriate applications of cost data. Extension workers have a legal mandate and a professional responsibility to discuss production costs in their area of specialization. As educators they also have a responsibility to their students

COPPER DEFICIENCY IN LAYING HENS D. W. BIRD, B. L. O ' D E I X AND J. E. SAVAGE

University

of Missouri,

Columbia,

Mo.

Hens fed a low-copper non-fat milk-solids diet showed a slight depression in egg production but body weights, egg weights and shell thickness were not affected. A marked decrease in the copper content of the egg and in blood plasma was observed. After 20 weeks, the average copper content of whole egg was .18 p.p.m. and blood plasma .08 p.p.m. Eggs from hens receiving a supplement of 50 p.p.m. of copper analyzed .65 p.p.m. and blood plasma .22 p.p.m. Eggs from hens consuming a practical diet contained .63 p.p.m. of copper and blood plasma .23 p.p.m. Only a very slight anemia was observed in the copper deficient hens. Hatchability of fertile eggs from hens receiving the low-copper diet was only 11% as compared to 83% for the hens fed the copper supplemented or practical control diets. When the experimental diets were reversed, rapid copper depletion occurred. In contrast to the characteristic abnormalities seen in zinc deficient embryos, copper deficiency resulted in embryo deaths primarily in the early blood stage and no gross abnormalities were observed.

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Hatching eggs from White Leghorn chickens, Coturnix quail and Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys were stored in air, in polyethylene and in polyvinylidene chloride copolymer (PVC)* bags at 55 °F., and hatchability of fertile eggs observed. White Leghorn (1,350) eggs were held from 1-15 days before incubation. Weight loss of eggs in the two types of plastic bags was the same, but less than the loss of those on flats unpackaged. Eggs stored 1-7 days unpackaged had a fertile hatch of 86%; polyethylene, 88%, PVC, 89%; 8-15 days storage, unpackaged, 58%; polyethylene, 72%; and PVC, 76%. Coturnix quail eggs were stored 13-21 days. Hatchability was: unpackaged, 4 5 % ; PVC, 5 1 % . These preliminary trials involving 172, 700 and 221 Broad Breasted Bronze turkey eggs showed an increase of hatchability in favor of storage in PVC versus unpackaged. In a fourth trial, 1,733 eggs were stored for 3-8 and 13-21 days. Hatchability for 3-8 day storage was: unpackaged, 79%; polyethylene, 8 1 % ; PVC, 8 5 % ; for 13-21 days, unpackaged, 44%; polyethylene, 60%; and PVC, 68%. The increased hatchability of eggs stored in plastic bags may be due to decreased moisture and/or carbon dioxide loss.

for the exactness of their subject matter and to bring about understanding. There is no single economic cost of producing a dozen eggs. Some reasons for variations in costs are: size and scale economies and diseconomies; differences in prices of factor inputs; differences in resource mix or product mix; and external economies or diseconomies. Meaningful cost data must be specific as t o : 1. Purpose of the cost presentation. A long-run planning estimate of cost will not be the same as a short-run cost accounting calculation. 2. Size of operation. A small flock will not have the same cost per dozen eggs as a much larger flock. 3. Technological characteristics of the layingflock enterprise. Costs vary with type of housing and equipment. An average cost figure which is not delineated as to these and other variables will only serve to confuse.

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THE MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION OF EGG SHELLS AND EGG PACKING MATERIALS R. G. BOARD, J. C. AYRES, A. A. KRAFT AND R. H . FORSYTHE

Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa

THE EFFECT OF FURADROXYL ON LAYING HENS M. A. BOONE AND B. D. BARNETT

Clemson Agricultural

College, Clemson, S.C.

Four hundred and eighty White Leghorn pullets were equally divided into 4 control pens which received 0.0055% furadroxyl in an all mash

T H E EFFECT OF THALIDOMIDE ON T H E DOMESTIC FOWL M. A. BOONE, MARY HAMMOND AND B. D. BARNETT

Clemson Agricultural College, Clemson, S.C. Thalidomide produced bizarre anomalies in chick embryos similar to those reported in man. The type of anomaly produced depended to a large degree on the technique of drug administration. Six methods, including 2 in vitro (glass breakers), 2 egg inoculation techniques, feeding and subcutaneous injection were employed. Some of these techniques may be useful in screening drugs intended for human use. When 10 to 200 gammas of thalidomide was placed on or near the blastodisc with a syringe and needle, limbless embryos were produced at a rate of 15% as compared to 4% for the controls. Complete and incomplete twins occurred at approximately 0.5% only when the drug was injected into the intact egg. Laying hens were fed thalidomide for 30 days at approximately the following levels: 0, 5, 10, 23, 35, 45, 84, or 175 mg. per day. These levels had no effect on hatchability, the incidence of leg deformities, head deformities or twinning as compared to the controls. Subcutaneous injections into young chicks at weekly intervals for 3 weeks did not affect growth, produce nervous symptoms or cause mortality when 11 different levels of 0.0 to 3000 gammas were used.

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A survey was made of the numbers and types of microorganisms present on the shells of eggs, fillers, flats and cases entering an egg collecting station. The colony count obtained on tryptone glucose extract agar revealed that the level of contamination on egg shells ranged from 102-108 microorganisms/shell. In general, the lowest counts were obtained from clean eggs and the highest from cracked or badly soiled eggs. As expected, the counts obtained from lightly soiled eggs were intermediate. Coliforms were isolated from 10% clean, 22% dirty and 34% grade C eggs. The lowest level of contamination (104 organisms/flat) was found on new flats and the highest (108-108 organisms/flat) on dirty flats. The counts obtained from the majority of used clean flats occurred in the range 105-106 organisms/flat. None of the clean, 3 1 % used, and 55% dirty flats were contaminated with coliforms. There were no marked differences in the level of contamination of new, used or dirty fillers; the majority of samples harbored about 106 organisms/filler. Coliforms were isolated from 18% used and 17% dirty fillers. Of 33 egg cases, all but one gave counts in the range 105-108 organisms/bottom (interior surface) of the case and coliforms were recovered from 4 cases. An investigation of more than 600 cultures derived from shells, fillers and flats indicated the following to be the most prevalent: Micrococcus, Arthrobacter, non-pigmented pseudomonads, and coli-aerogenes. Organisms identified as Aeromonas, Bacillus, Cytophaga, Staphylococcus (mannitolnegative), Pseudomonas fluorescens, Alcaligenes, and Achromobacter were occasionally found. One strain of Salmonella senftenberg was recovered from the shell of a lightly soiled egg.

breeder diet. Based on 12 months of lay, the treated birds showed a highly significant (P < .01) increase in egg production and feed to egg ratio. The average production per bird pen was as follows: Controls 229, 235, 233 and 225 (average 231); Treated pens 254, 255, 248 and 243 (average 250). Hatch of all eggs set was highly significantly (P < .01) improved by the treatment. There was no significant difference in hatchability of fertile eggs. No significant difference was noted between treatments for egg size or shell thickness based on the 12 month period. However, the egg weight and interior egg quality, as measured by Haugh units, during the 12th month of production was significantly superior (P < .05) for the controls. Mortality of control birds and treated birds was identical at 7.08%. All dead birds were posted and the cause of the disease determined where possible. No specific cause of death was attributable to either treatment.

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CONSUMER AND RETAILER ATTITUDES TOWARD FRESH VERSUS FROZEN CHICKEN A. W. BRANT AND L. D. SANBORN

University of California, Davis and Los Angeles, Calif.

AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENTATION OF LOW PROTEIN CORN-SOY LAYING DIETS D.

G. BRITZMAN AND C. W.

CARLSON

South Dakota State College, Brookings, S.D. Individually caged, SCWL hens were fed isocaloric, high energy, corn-soybean meal diets containing 1 1 % and 16% protein and a low energy diet containing 1 1 % protein. Hen-day egg production was 39.1% and 61.3% with the high energy 11% and 16% protein diets respectively. Supplementation of the high energy, low protein diet with 0.2% DL-methionine did not improve egg production. However, the combined additions of 0.2% DL-methionine and 0.3% L-lysine to the low protein, high energy diet increased egg production significantly to 54.4%. With the low energy 1 1 % protein diet only DL-methionine gave a significant response in egg production. In a second experiment, cumulative additions of 0.2% glycine, 0.2% DL-valine, 0.4% L-arginine, 0.4% DL-isoleucine and 0.05% DL-tryptophan, in the order given, were made to a high energy 11% protein diet containing 0.2% and 0.3% added DLmethionine and L-lysine respectively. The basal diet contained adequate niacin by calculation. A significant increase in egg production was obtained with the addition of 0.05% DL-tryptophan to the diet containing all of the other amino acids pre-

viously listed. A third experiment indicated that this response was brought about by the addition of tryptophan and not the combination of amino acids which had been added to this diet. PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS CONCERNING T H E PRODUCTION OF PULMONARY CONGESTION, EMPHYSEMA, AND EDEMA FOLLOWING BILATERAL, CERVICAL VAGOTOMY1 RAY E. BURGER AND M. R. FEDDE

University of Minnesota, Saint Paul 1, Minn. Pulmonary emphysema and edema usually follows bilateral, cervical vagotomy in SCWL cocks and in addition, pulmonary vascular congestion occurs in mature cocks, 28 weeks of age and older. This separation of pulmonary edema and vascular congestion suggests that these have different etiologies. Sodium pentobarbital, given to deep planes of anesthesia, and reserpine, at 200 p.p.m. in the diet, prevented—while dibenzyline reduced—pulmonary alterations following vagotomy in mature cocks. Heart rate increased from 310 to 400 beats per minute after vagotomy in both age groups. Reserpine reduced heart rate about 100 beats per minute both before and after vagotomy. Epinephrine infusion after vagotomy did not alter the heart rate in 16-week-old cocks but did induce pulmonary vascular congestion. Venous blood pressure usually increased after vagotomy; however, one cock died with severe vascular congestion without any significant change in venous blood pressure. Reserpine, at 200 p.p.m. in the diet, prevented any increase in venous blood pressure. These results indicate that the sympathetic system is involved in the production of these pulmonary alterations but not through simply an increase in venous blood pressure nor heart rate. 1 Published as Paper No. 5101, Scientific Journal Series of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station. This work was supported, in part, by N S F Grant No. 17666.

CANTHAXANTHIN AS A BROILER PIGMENTER A. A. CAMP, C. R. CREGER AND J. R. COUCH

The A. & M. College of Texas, College Station, Tex. A total of 2400 broiler type chicks were employed in a study in which canthaxanthin was

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A survey of consumer attitudes concerning fresh and frozen fryers was conducted in Whittier, California, a city in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. A random sample of 101 households were selected and an interview conducted with each. Retailer attitudes were obtained by interviewing the meat buyers from 20 chains in Los Angeles, representing about 80% of the food volume for the area. The householders favored fresh over frozen poultry 77% to 6% with 17% indicating no preference. The preference is not based on serious objection to frozen poultry apparently since 55% freeze fryers in their own freezers. When asked for preference on skin color, 49% indicated white while 4 1 % indicated yellow. Nearly all retail buyers felt that consumers preferred to buy fresh but nearly 50% felt that supermarkets will begin to shift more to frozen fryers.

PAPERS

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

included in the finisher diet fed from S to 8 weeks of age. Levels of canthaxanthin in the finisher ranged from 4 to 12 mgs. of canthaxanthin in various combinations with yellow corn, milo and alfalfa leaf meal. As the percent of yellow corn and alfalfa leaf meal increased in the diet, the amount of xanthophyll deposited in the skin was also increased. When canthaxanthin was added to diets containing yellow corn and alfalfa leaf meal, there was an additional deposition of colored compounds in the skin and shanks of the birds.

C. W. CARLSON, H. C. SAXENA, L. S. JENSEN AND J. M C G I N N I S

Washington State University, Pullman, Wash. A previous report from this laboratory (Fed. Proc. 22: 436) showed growth promoting and antirachitic properties of soybean meal, a water extract of soybean meal and raw soybean flakes. It was also shown that isolated soybean protein was rachitogenic. Studies were undertaken to investigate the basis of the rachitogenic effect of the isolated soybean protein diet for poults and the relationship of this effect to vitamin D. It was confirmed that a causative factor was the high level of isolated soybean protein used. The requirement for vitamin D for maximum growth and bone ash on the 39% protein basal diet was in excess of 1,600 I.C.U./lb. Including 5% raw flakes on an isonitrogenous basis reduced the vitamin D requirement to not over 1,600 I.C.U./ lb. Using 400 I.C.U. of vitamin D 3 , studies have shown that neither the removal of inositol from the diet, adding 500 p.p.m. EDTA, nor changing the source of vitamin D alleviated the condition. Autoclaving the protein did prevent visible signs of rickets and allowed for greatly improved growth. Adding 5 % raw flakes showed little effect on growth, but autoclaved flakes (at 120° C. for 30 min.) markedly improved growth. These studies indicate that the rachitogenic factor in soybeans is water soluble and labile to autoclaving.

W. O. CAWLEY, W. F. KRUEGER, BILL H. DORAN AND J . H . QUISENBERRY

The A. and M. College of Texas, College Station, Tex. The degree of precision obtained in evaluating strains in the 4th Texas Random Sample Egg Production Test was investigated. Analyses of variance and co-variance were used to determine the importance of the various factors contributing to the variation in each of the traits studied. Data collected on each entry included egg production, body weight, hen-days, days to sexual maturity, feed consumption, egg weight and Haugh units. The least difference required for significance (L.S.D.) for each of the traits was 6.3S days for sexual maturity, 16.70 eggs, 93.9 grams in body weight, 1.16 grams in egg weight, and 1.67 Haugh units. These differences were based on a 95% level of probability. Significant differences were located by two methods of mean separation, namely, Duncan's multiple range test and the L.S.D. and compared with the quartile method of separating entries. Duncan's test generally was more conservative than the L.S.D. Separation into quartiles was the least efficient method of separating entries. Egg production, livability, feed consumption, body and egg weight accounted for .978 percent of the variability in net income. Egg production and body weight had the greatest influence on net income with egg production 3.5 times more important than body weight. VITAMIN A REQUIREMENTS OF GROWING TURKEYS R. CHAVEZ, C. R. CREGER AND J. R. COUCH

The1 A. & M. College of Texas, College Station, Tex. Two experiments were conducted to determine the vitamin A requirements of growing turkeys. Experiment one consisted of 334 sexed, day old Broad Breasted White turkey poults which were randomly distributed into six groups and replicated three times. The prestarter diet (milo-soybean oil meal) was supplemented with vitamins (excluding vitamin A), methionine, minerals, and antibiotics. After twelve days this diet was supplemented with varying levels of vitamin A consisting of 0.0, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 I.U. per pound. On the 28th day the poults were trans-

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RACHITOGENIC ACTIVITY OF VARIOUS SOYBEAN FRACTIONS

AN ANALYSIS OF T H E FOURTH TEXAS RANDOM SAMPLE EGG PRODUCTION TEST

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T H E EFFECT OF CERTAIN AMINO ACID ADDITIONS UPON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE LAYING HEN A. B. CHIT AND S. W. HINNERS

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, 111, Experiments were conducted on five month old Single Comb White Leghorns to determine the effectiveness of adding varying amounts of methionine, lysine, and arginine singly and in various combinations to a practical laying ration containing approximately 13% protein. Supplementation represented an attempt to simulate the levels of those amino acids contained in basal rations containing approximately IS and 17% protein. The supplementation of 0.013, 0.025, 0.0S0, 0.160, and 0.320% lysine to practical laying rations containing approximately 13, IS, and 17% protein was also studied. Experimental rations were fed to five replicates of three birds each per cage for five, twenty-eight day periods commencing October 17, 1961. The criteria used were hen-day egg production, feed

intake, feed conversion, body weight, and egg quality. Egg break-out studies included measurements of egg weight, albumen height, Haugh units, yolk color, and blood spot size. Addition of methionine, lysine, and arginine to the 13% protein ration and lysine to the 13, IS, and 17% protein rations did not significantly affect any of the variables. Similarly, increasing the protein level from 13 to IS to 17% without amino acid supplementation did not significantly improve any of the variables. ALLELISM OF SEX-LINKED SILVER AND PARTIAL ALBINISM R. K. COLE AND T. K. JEFFERS

Cornell University, Ithaca,

N.Y,

Werrett et al. (Nature, 184:480, 19S9), on the basis of a breeding test of one of two non-silver males from among nearly 380,000 progeny from a Brown Leghorn X Light Sussex cross, concluded that the 5 gene of one dam had mutated to s" and that these along with s constitute a series of three alleles. Sex-linked albinism (al), described by Mueller and Hutt (1941), was shown by Hutt (1960) to be closely linked with K (1.6%). Other data showed linkage of S and K to be 2.8%, hence al was assumed to lie between S and K, being closer S. Suitable stock was not available for direct linkage test of S and al. Linkage studies in progeny from a cross of S-(Al)~K males X s-(Al)-k females, both homo(s)-al-k zygous for ee, yielded a sex ratio of 1220 to 1272 and a linkage of 5 to K of 2.24%. Non-allelism of 5 and al would have been established by a single gold, s-(Al), female. None was observed. On the contrary there were 14 cross-overs that yielded (s)-al-K females. Unless the linkage of s and al is so close that it would not be revealed in more than 600 suitable gametes, the tentative conclusion must be that S — s — s" form an allelic series. PERFORMANCE OF SINGLE AND HETEROZYGOUS PEA-COMBED BROILER CHICKENS IN DIFFERENT BROODING ENVIRONMENTS W. M. COLLINS, B. J. LANG, H. A. STONE, N. P. ZERVAS AND H. K. SAADEH

University of New Hampshire, Durham,

N.H.

Genotype X environment interaction effects on broiler traits were studied on over 6,000 chickens

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ferred to floor pens where the studies were continued. At intervals of four weeks the poults were individually weighed and six out of each group were sacrified for the determination of vitamin A storage in the liver. Experiment no. two consisted of 334 Broad Breasted Bronze turkey poults managed as the previous experiment. Results from experiment one showed that maximum growth at four weeks was obtained from the 1000 I.U./lb. level. However, plotting the amount of vitamin A in the liver versus the amount of vitamin A in the diet resulted in a straight line beyond the 2000 I.U./lb. of feed. At eight weeks the best growth was obtained from birds on the 2000 I.U./lb. of feed. Vitamin A storage followed the same pattern as in the previous case. At twelve weeks the best growth was obtained at the 2000 I.U./lb. of feed and vitamin A storage followed the same pattern as in the two previous cases. Results from experiment two showed better growth for poults fed 3000 and 4000 I.U./lb. of feed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. However, plotting vitamin A storage in liver versus vitamin A/lb. of feed again resulted in a straight line beyond 2000 I.U. vitamin A/lb. of feed. The results obtained from these two experiments indicate that for maximum growth and an adequate vitamin A storage in the liver, diets for growing turkeys should contain a minimum of 2000 I.U ./lb. of feed.

ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

THE PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF 1,2DIMETHYL-5-NITROIMIDAZOLE L. B. COLVIN, G. J. COLLINS, T. M. FERGUSON, C. R. CEEGER AND J. R. COUCH

The A.& M. College of Texas, College Station, Tex. The effects of feeding the drug l,2-dimethyl-5nitroimidazole (DNI) to chickens and turkeys at levels of 0.1 to 0.4% of the diet have certain clinical manifestations which can be studied by various serological and hematological, as well as certain physiological methods. It was demonstrated that when DNI levels of the diet were increased from 0.0% to 0.4% the uric acid level of the serum decreased accordingly. When toxic levels of the drug were reached (0.4%) the uric acid fell to 70% of that of the control birds suggesting decreased liver activity. Liver inadequacy is also manifested in the diminution of the serum proteins, particularly in the albumin fraction, as shown by electrophoretic patterns. This trend appears to be dependent upon the level of the drug fed, as does the serum level of the drug itself. Toxicosis can be recognized as early as two weeks in chicks by the electrophoretic patterns produced by the serum proteins. Toxicosis can also be detected in an elevated percent packed cell volume, possibly due

to hemoconcentration resulting from hypoalbuminemia. In studies with mature turkey hens, it was found that the Beltsville Small White are not as susceptible to the drug as are Broad Breasted Bronze in regard to heart rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure. SULFUR AMINO ACID AND LYSINE REQUIREMENTS OF BROILER CHICKENS G. F. COMBS AND J. L. NICHOLSON

University of Maryland, College Park, Md. In floor pen experiments with male broiler chickens, the requirement for lysine and total sulfur amino acids (in absence of cystine excess) during the starting and finishing periods were determined, using practical type rations containing sufficient but not excessive protein levels. Data were obtained from 0-4.S weeks of age for lysine in three trials and for total sulfur amino acids in six trials. Similarly, four trials each were conducted to determine the lysine and total sulfur amino acid requirements during the period from 4.S to 8 weeks. The requirements expressed as a function of energy content of the diet were determined by plotting the log of the amino acid concentration in relation to metabolizable energy content of the diet, against the relative gain in body weight or caloric uptake per unit gain. For lysine, the amount required to produce optimal body weight gain during the starting and finishing periods was 3.66 and 3.22 mg. per metabolizable kilocalory, respectively. For optimal caloric efficiency, 3.93 and 3.22 mg. of lysine per metabolizable kilocalory was required during the starting and finishing period, respectively. For total sulfur amino acids (methionine + cystine) the corresponding values were 2.4S, 2.20, 2.S3 and 2.22, respectively. IMPORTANCE OF GENOTYPE-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS IN EGG PRODUCTION STOCKS R. E. COOK, C. W. HESS AND E. F. DEMBNICKI

ARS, Southern Regional Poultry Genetics Laboratory, Athens, Ca. Two experiments were conducted with 10 stocks of egg production chickens maintained at 10 experiment station locations to evaluate the importance of genotype-environment interactions upon egg production traits.

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in S experiments and one field trial. All chickens were from the same experimental broiler cross of one commercial breeder hatchery. Equal numbers of single and heterozygous pea-combed chickens, within each sire, were taken from individual male matings for 3 experiments and for the field trial. "Poor" and "good" brooding environments were provided by alloting 0.5 and 1.0 square foot floor space/chicken, respectively, in each of the 5 experiments. Superimposed on the O.S and 1.0 sq. foot floor space allotment was a low and high energy ration, respectively, in 2 of the experiments. Respiratory infection characterized subjectively as "mild" or "severe," from symptoms in non-immunized stock, provided the contrasting environments in the field trial. A real effect of comb-type on body weight was not detected in these experiments. Effect of space on weight was highly significant in all experiments while comb-type X space interaction effect was significant in only one experiment. A significant comb-type X environment interaction effect was observed in the field trial. Comb-type X environment interaction effect may be one source of error in predicting performance at one location.

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RECORD-KEEPING PROGRAMS FOR EGG PRODUCERS C. JERRY

Cox

University of Georgia, Athens, Ga. Today poultrymen realize the importance and need for complete and accurate records. Records make it possible to evaluate various phases of a business operation and in most instances is the motivating factor initiating a change in program. A new system of record-keeping for Georgia egg producers was initiated on January 1, 1963. The new poultry enterprise record-keeping program which is called the Georgia Egg Production Record Program is a system of electronic data processing of egg production records. This poultry record project has three main purposes: (1) To establish a standardized, uniform system of recordkeeping, (2) to develop a system that will be of aid to egg producers in evaluating and improving

their management, and (3) to provide poultrymen with detailed information on production performance and major costs of production. As production units within a poultry operation become larger, the record keeping phase of the operation must be reorganized and expanded. Data processing equipment can be used to aid record keeping and record analysis programs. Records are only tools to be used by the poultrymen in planning and conducting the management programs. But records are a vital, valuable part of successful poultry operations. GENETIC INFLUENCES ON AGONISTIC BEHAVIOR IN CHICKENS J. V. CRAIG

Kansas State University, Manhattan,

Kan.

Agonistic or conflict and avoidance behavior may seriously interfere with productivity under socially stressful situations. Strain within breed and breed differences in level of social dominance have been found. Relative ability of particular strains to dominate others has been observed to change during maturation. Realization of such potential changes in status may be obscured by the phenomenon of social inertia in organized flocks. Preliminary observations indicate that moderately inbred chickens will on the average develop aggressive potential more slowly than noninbreds and may never achieve equivalent social status. Selection experiments indicate realized heritabilities of about % or J/s for individual intrastrain variation in agonistic behavior. Capons and intact females of strains selected for high and low social dominance levels differ in sensitivity to exogenous androgen stimulation as measured by frequency and type of agonistic behavior elicited. Differences in endogenous androgen levels between the selected strains have not been detected. Strain differences have also been found for certain behavioral and productivity traits not under direct selection, thus suggesting the presence of genetic correlations. THE PIGMENTING VALUE OF AQUATIC FLOWERING PLANTS C. R. CREGER, F. M. FARR, E. CASTRO AND J. R.

COUCH

The A.&M. College of Texas, College Station, Tex. A dehydrated blend of three species of flowering aquatic plants was analyzed and found to con-

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Hatching eggs were obtained from nine commercial sources and the Regional Cornell Control population for initiating each study. The eggs were hatched at the central laboratory, sexed, and a sample from each source stock shipped to each of the locations for the brooding, rearing, and laying periods. The chicks were all started at the same time and were intermingled during the rearing period at each location. No attempt was made to standardize any feeding or management practices. The management practices followed were recorded at each location. Over 3000 pullets were started in each trial. Data were obtained on body weights at 8, 18, and 58 weeks of age, days to sexual maturity, egg production for a 10-month period, egg weights, egg quality, and mortality. Analysis of variance of the body weights, egg production, and sexual maturity data indicate highly significant differences among sources and locations for these traits. Highly significant differences between the two trials were observed for 8 and 58 week body weights and sexual maturity. The interactions of source X trial and source X location were highly significant for sexual maturity. Significant source X location interactions were observed for 18 and 58 week body weights and egg production. All second order interactions between body weights, sexual maturity, and egg production were nonsignificant. Results from the analysis of these data indicate that the performance of laying stocks, tested over a wide range of environments, is influenced by the interactions of genotype with environment.

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

EFFECT OF CENTRIFUGING YOLKCONTAMINATED EGG WHITE ON FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE F. E. CUNNINGHAM AND O. J. COTTERIIX

University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo. The effect of centrifuging yolk-contaminated egg white on selected physical and functional characteristics was studied. The increase in absorbance of albumen caused by small quantities of yolk may be used under limited conditions, to estimate the degree of unintentional yolk contamination. Yolk contamination increased the amount of precipitate formed during centrifugation. The distribution of lipide material between precipitate and supernatant, as well as the volume of precipitate, can be altered by pH and/or chemical additives. Maximum yolk lipide was found in the precipitate at pH 5.5 and minimum yolk lipide at pH 4.0. All four of the chemical additives tested increased the quantity of precipitate over the untreated controls. Maximum yolk lipide was obtained in the precipitate of egg white containing an anionic detergent and minimum yolk lipide in the presence of a nonionic additive. Centrifuging yolk-contaminated egg white improved angel cake volume, and it is suggested that centrifuging could be used to improve contaminated albumen. These data suggest the formation of a complex between certain yolk components and the egg white protein, ovomucin.

STUDIES ON THE LYSOZYME-OVOMUCIN COMPLEXES OF CHICKEN AND DUCK EGG WHITE R. DAM AND N. S. BENNETT

University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb The binding of lysozyme by chicken ovomucin and duck ovomucin has been studied. Complexes were formed by adding a solution of lysozyme to solutions of ovomucin buffered over a pH range from 7.2 to 10.0. These lysozyme-ovomucin complex mixtures were incubated for varying lengths of time at 5° and 30°C, after which they were centrifuged. The lysozyme activity of the supernatant was determined by its bacteriolytic action on Micrococcus lysodeikticus. The difference between the initial and the final concentration in the supernatant was interpreted as "bound" lysozyme. These data indicate that duck ovomucin tends to bind more lysozyme than chicken ovomucin at higher pH values. The observed increased lysozyme binding ability of duck ovomucin is consistent with storage stability studies and the lysozyme-ovomucin-complex theory of egg white stability. Since the lysozyme-ovomucin complex is considered to be an electrostatic interaction, it was thought that removal of the polar sialic acid component of ovomucin might affect this interaction. Aliquots of chicken and duck ovomucin were treated with the enzyme neuraminidase, to remove the sialic acid moiety. The ovomucin treated in this manner still bound significant amounts of lysozyme.

METABOLISM OF ETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETIC ACID (EDTA) BY CHICKENS NAZEK M. DARWISH AND F. H. KRATZER

University of California, Davis, Calif. Three experiments were conducted with colostomized White Leghorn hens to study the role of EDTA in increasing zinc availability. Hens fed an isolated soybean protein Zn-deficient diet for 3-6 days were placed in the metabolism cage for 24 hours before administration of an oral dose of Zn65 and EDTA-2-C". Respiratory C0 2 , feces, urine and blood samples collected over the experimental periods (20, 48, and 144 hours) and various tissues after killing the birds were analyzed for Zn85 and C14 activity. Chickens absorbed 4547% of orally given EDTA-2-C14. EDTA was metabolized as indicated by recovery of 4.6, 5.4 and 4.2% of administered C14 in respiratory C0 2

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tain 17.9% protein, 1 1 % crude fiber, and 200 mgs. xanthophyll per pound. Levels of 5, 10, IS, 20 and 25% of this product produced NEPA numbers of 3, 4.5, 5.5, 6.3 and 6.8, respectively, when incorporated into a milo-soybean oil meal basal diet and fed to laying hens. Levels of 10 and 20% dehydrated alfalfa meal which analyzed 20% protein and 225 mgs. xanthophyll per pound produced NEPA numbers of 4.75 and 6.1 under similar conditions. From these data it can be concluded that the naturally occurring xanthophylls found in a dehydrated blend of three species of flowering aquatic plants were biologically available and produced egg yolks of NEPA numbers similar to those which resulted from the feeding of approximately equivalent levels of xanthophylls from dehydrated alfalfa meal.

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in the three experiments respectively. Peak C" activity was reached after 7 hours compared with 45 minutes with sodium acetate-2-C" which had been used in a separate trial in which about 39% of the given dose was recovered in CO: in 4 days. ZnG" as well as C14 activity was detected in blood, urine and various organs. C" was also found in liver fat and urinary uric acid. EDTA-C 14 was recovered from urine. Urine had maximum C14 activity within first 20 hours compared to 10 hours for acetate-C14. Total C" recovered in urine was S.3, 10.9 and 8.6 for EDTA and 3.3% for acetate.

J O H N S. DAWSON, JR.

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Extension Service, Harrisonburg, Va. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Agricultural Extension Service have created a position that has served to coordinate education and regulatory duties. This approach was decided upon when the Virginia Dead Bird Disposal Law was enacted in 1962. Any new legislation requires that the public be made aware of its enactment and what its purpose is. This necessitates education as well as regulatory responsibilities in order to insure compliance of the law. The Poultry Extension Personnel held county and state meetings at which the new legislation was discussed. Information was also disseminated through articles released through local and industry publications and radio appearances. Further individuals were contacted at their farms where additional help could be rendered. Farm visits served twofold; first to familiarize the individual with the law, and second to assist them in compliance with the law. The apparent success of this program has been evidenced by numerous requests for information on other subjects once rapport was achieved between the producer and the educational regulatory personnel.

EIBERT J. DAY AND ROBERT C. WOODY

Mississippi State University, State College, Miss. Premixes containing menadione sodium bisulfite complex (16 gm./lb.) were made employing soybean meal or corn as the carrier. Portions of each sample were treated chemically to stabilize the MSBC and/or subjected to steam and pressure treatment to hasten MSBC destruction. A chemical method was employed to determine vitamin K activity of each premix sample after the above treatments had been completed. Two chick bioassays were then conducted to determine if the chemical method accurately predicts the biological activity of vitamin K in premixes. Eleven groups of 20 chicks each were used for each bioassay. Five groups were fed a corn-soy basal ration containing graded levels of MSBC and were used to establish the regression curve; whereas, the other six groups were fed the basal ration containing one of the test samples. The biological values of the premixes, expressed as grams of MSBC per pound, were in close agreement with the values obtained by chemical assays, indicating that the chemical assay method is suitable for assaying MSBC premixes.

THE EFFECT OF DIETARY AMINO ACID DEFICIENCIES AND/OR PLETHORAS ON T H E CONCENTRATIONS OF FREE AMINO ACIDS IN CHICK BLOOD PLASMA W. F. DEAN AND H. M. SCOTT

University of Illinois, Urbana, III. A comparison of plasma amino acid concentrations was made between chicks fed a crystalline amino acid basal diet, formulated to meet the amino acid requirement standard proposed by Dean and Scott (Poultry Sci. 41:1640, 1962) and chicks fed the basal diet altered to create (1) single amino acid deficiencies (2) a multiple amino acid deficiency (3) an excess of a single amino acid (4) amino acid deficiencies and excesses simultaneously. Chicks were fed the complete basal diet from the 12th to the 15th day. On the 15th day, following a 4 hour fast, each test diet, including the basal, was fed to 8 chicks on an individual basis. An equal amount of feed was fed to each chick

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EDUCATIONAL AND REGULATORY FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY THE SAME INDIVIDUAL

COMPARISON OF CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ASSAY METHODS FOR THE DETERMINATION OF VITAMIN K IN PREMIXES

ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

UNSOLVED PROBLEMS CHALLENGING THE POULTRY INDUSTRY M. Y. DENDY, M. L. JONES, C. J.

Cox

AND J. H. MASSEY

University of Georgia, Athens, Ga. The purpose of this paper is to fulfill an obligation of extension workers to take problems of poultry producers to research workers. The authors questioned poultry producers and industry workers in Georgia about problems that require additional information. Following a paper on this subject at the Annual Meeting of the Association of Southern Agricultural Workers, Extension Poultrymen in all states were contacted regarding their ideas of areas in which additional information is needed from research. A written report giving full details may be obtained from the authors at the Extension Poultry Department of the University of Georgia.

IMMUNITY IN LAYING HENS AFTER NEWCASTLE DISEASE VACCINATION J. M. DIXON AND B. J. TOEBERT

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La. The immunity to Newcastle disease (ND) following three methods of vaccination in White

Leghorn hens was tested by challenge with GBND virus. The vaccine was administered to groups of 100 White Leghorn pullets in the following manner: Bi-ND virus in the water at 4 days of age, second dose at 4 weeks of age and a third dose at 16 weeks of age; another group received two doses of Bi-ND virus in the water at 10 days of age and at 16 weeks of age; another group received 2 doses of tissue culture (Bankowski) ND virus (TCND) intramuscularly at 3 weeks and 15 weeks of age; and a control group with no vaccination. At 20 weeks of age the pullets were all housed together for the laying period. Ten birds from each treatment were taken at random for challenge at 20 weeks and 1 year of age. The unvaccinated control and those vaccinated with Bi type ND virus were susceptible at each challenge. Those vaccinated with TCND resisted challenge based on the absence of mortality, respiratory and nervous symptoms. THE AMINO ACID REQUIREMENT OF T H E CHICK AS RELATED TO ENERGY W. A. DUDLEY, K. H. MADDY AND R. S. GORDON

Monsanto Chemical Company, St. Louis 66, Mo. If the requirement for energy is the primary factor controlling food intake, the need for other essential nutrients should be related directly to the energy content of the diet. Furthermore, it a diet is balanced correctly with regard to the nutrient-energy ratio, energy intake and growth should remain constant over a wide range of energy densities. To test this assumption, diets were formulated to provide 60, 80, 100 and 140% of the amino acid requirements of the broiler in four series of diets containing 1000, 1050, 1100 and 1150 Calories of productive energy per pound. The results indicated that the amino acid requirement of the chick was constant at all calorie levels when expressed per 1000 Calories. The performance of the chick at the required level of amino acids was 750, 773, 762 and 761 grams gained (0 to 35 days) and 1.70, 1.64, 1.60 and 1.56 feed efficiency for diets containing 1000, 1050, 1100 and 1150 Calories respectively. Energy consumption did remain constant and differences in feed efficiency merely reflected differences in feed density. Therefore, the chick will

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in each treatment once every 30 minutes over a 6 hour period, at the end of which time blood was taken by heart puncture. The free amino acid content of plasma was determined by ion exchange chromatography. Diets deficient in either lysine or valine resulted in a marked lowering of the corresponding amino acid in the plasma. A diet in which lysine and valine were known to be the first and second limiting, respectively, resulted in a decrease in these two amino acids in plasma with lysine showing the greater decline. The most pronounced effect of the above mentioned deficiencies on other plasma amino acids was to cause most of the essential amino acids to increase. A diet containing an excess of lysine resulted in a marked rise in plasma lysine but it appeared to affect only minor changes in the other acids. A diet, in which threonine and valine were 35% below, and lysine, tyrosine and isoleucine were 50% above their respective requirement values, resulted in marked changes in the corresponding amino acids in plasma. The former two were reduced and the latter three were increased. The other amino acids appeared to be unaffected.

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gain optimally if the proper relationship of available nutrients and energy is maintained. FAT METABOLISM HARDY M. EDWARDS, JR.

University of Georgia, Athens, Ga.

T H E EGGMOBILE—AN EGG EXHIBIT FOR CONSUMERS L. Z. FGCLETON

Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa A mobile home trailer shell fitted with exhibits of consumer uses for eggs and a picture display of modern egg handling has been used at District Fairs and retail stores locations for two seasons. In addition to uses of eggs and the story of the market system, models and charts are used to illustrate grades, sizes and packaging methods. The reaction of producers, retailers and consumers who view the display varies with background and experience. Prejudices among consumers for shell color, yolk color and egg size exist to some degree. In general there is a high level of knowledge concerning interior quality fac-

FACTORS INFLUENCING LAYING HEN RESPONSE TO ENZYME SUPPLEMENTS C. M. ELY Nopco Chemical Company, Harrison,

N.J.

Collective experimental data involving more than 150,000 laying hens fed typical commercial corn/milo laying rations containing a fungal-bacterial enzyme supplement reveal several factors which tend to govern the response. Among these are (1) age of the bird; (2) genetic background, and (3) dietary make-up;—particulary with reference to the starch-protein interrelationship. Pullets just coming into production usually exhibited only marginal responses until after they reached their maximum rate of egg production. Post-peaking improvements among S.C.W.L. laying strains averaged 3-5% in terms of total egg output, and 2^2-4% in reduced feed requirement per dozen eggs. Heavy breeders (broiler type) showed somewhat higher average responses in both categories. Laboratory experiments with old birds involving enzyme supplementation of rations containing "borderline" and/or sub-optimal levels of crude protein resulted in a well defined protein-sparing action. Further exploratory research suggested that the amylolytic action of the enzymes in helping to overcome the starch imbalance in such rations may be of considerably more importance than protease activity per se. MEASUREMENT OF LYSINE RESPONSE IN CHICKS USING A PRACTICAL TYPE, LOW COST ASSAY DIET C. M. ELY Nopco Chemical Company, Harrison, N.J. A practical type assay diet costing only 4-5^ per pound to formulate has given excellent and highly reproducible results in lysine studies with 0-4 week old chicks. All feedstuffs used in the mixture are readily available through commercial channels. Calculations based on the best available theoretical figures indicate that N.R.C. nutrient requirements are satisfied except for lysine, which

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The needs of the young chicken and laying hen for an exogenous source of specific fatty acids has not been clearly demonstrated. Research at our laboratory has recently made progress in identifying the various symptoms of fat and "essential fatty acid" deficiencies in chicks and laying hens and in determining the effectiveness of various fats and purified fatty acids in preventing occurence of these symptoms. Three main symptoms occur when a fat-free diet is fed young growing male chicks; (1) decreased growth rate (2) increased eicosatrienoic acid content of tissues and (3) appearance of underdeveloped testes, combs and wattles. Feeding safflower oil, corn oil, menhaden oil, coconut oil, linseed oil, trioleate, methyl oleate, methyl linoleate or methyl linolenate to chicks will all prevent the decreased growth rate. All of these materials except methyl oleate and coconut oil will prevent the appearance of large amounts of eicosatrienoic acid in the tissue. Only three materials have been tested for their effect in preventing the underdeveloped testes; these were, corn oil, methyl oleate and methyl linoleate. Chickens fed corn oil and methyl linoleate had normal testes development while those fed methyl oleate had underdeveloped testes similar to the chicks fed the basal ration.

tors. Members of grade and high school homemaking classes visiting the exhibit indicate material available to schools is adequate. Retailers in smaller stores, particularly in rural areas, are not satisfied with their source of eggs. Low volume in all stores makes servicing egg accounts rather costly.

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHICKEN'S PANCREAS TO DIGESTION SELIM E L ZAYAT

Cornell University, Ithaca,

N.Y.

The pancreatic ducts of one-year old Vantress males were ligated and severed at the intestinal end. Control birds were sham operated. The digestibility of fat, carbohydrate, and proteins were determined. For protein digestibility experiments colostomized birds were used. The digestibility of casein was 90.6% for controls and 39.9% for the ligated birds; the corresponding figures for hydrolized casein were 90.9% and 77.3%, respectively. Soybean oil, olive oil, and lard were absorbed to the extent of 22.4, 6.57, and 0.25% by ligated birds but to the extent of 95.3, 92.2 and 91.1% by the controls. However, 72.5% soybean fatty acids and 62.2% lard fatty acids were digested by ligated birds whereas these figures were 91.8 and 85.2% for the controls. Ligated birds utilized 70.6, 65.0 and 30.5% of the dietary energy when glucose, sucrose or starch respectively were the source of carbohydrate. The corresponding figures obtained for control birds were 85.3, 82.8 and 83.4%.

THE INFLUENCE OF SPACE ALLOCATIONS ON THE EFFICIENCY OF PRODUCING MARKET TURKEYS H. L. ENOS, R. E. MORENG, W. A. WHITTET and M. L. JONES

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo. An investigation utilizing male Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys from 14 to 25 weeks of age, under pole house confinement, was made into the relationship of feeder and floor space allocations on growth, feed efficiency and market grade. At a constant floor space assignment of 5 square feet with feeder space allocations as low as z/i linear inch, no significant differences in weight gains were detected. However, significantly less weight gains were made by those allocated % and %6 linear inch per bird. Feed efficiency followed very closely the pattern of gain for all groups with some evidence of feed wastage at the greater feeder space allocations of 2 and 4 linear inches per bird. The feed efficiency data revealed that the 4 square feet and J-jj linear inch treatment group was the least efficient. Carcass evaluation in terms of percent grade "A" indicated that the percent yield of grade "A" carcasses was enhanced by 4 square feet of floor space in comparison to 5 square feet per bird. The l/2 linear inch allocation consistently produced more grade "A" carcasses than other feeder space assignments. INFLUENCE OF CERTAIN FEED ADDITIVES, GROWTH STIMULANTS, MEDICANTS, AND TRANQUILIZERS IN LAYER RATIONS ON EGG PRODUCTION, EGG SIZE, AND FEED CONVERSION E . O. EsSARY AND C. E . HOLMES

Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, Va. Thirty commercial Leghorn-type strain cross pullets each were housed near the start of their laying period in eight colony type houses for seven 28-day feeding periods from May 7 to November 18, 1962, to study the influence of feeding arsanilic acid, Furazolidone, Reserpine, Nihydrazone, and Amprolium at the recommended levels, and aureomycin-10 at two different levels on egg production, egg size, and feed conversion. All chemicals were fed continuously in the ration except one pen on aureomycin-10 which was fed at 2000 gm. per ton of feed during the first seven days of each 28-day period. Pens receiving the different chemicals laid a higher percentage of eggs in the large and above

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averages about 0.55% when checked by microbiological assay. White Vantress cockerel chicks fed the basal diet alone normally show 4 week gains ranging between 65 and 90 grams. Addition of 0.175% L-lysine improves the growth rate approximately threefold, while 0.35% L-lysine causes a sixfold rise. Tests may be terminated at 2, 3 or 4 weeks with equally reliable dose-response comparisons. The principal advantages of this approach to amino acid research are (1) the substantial savings in feed costs over purified and semi-purified assay diets, and (2) virtual elimination of cost-imposed restrictions of the number of chicks assigned to each test variable, and/or the length of time they are kept on experiment. I t is felt that imaginative selection of dietary ingredients would make this concept applicable to other amino acid and growth factor research.

1268

ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

INFLUENCE OF CERTAIN FEED ADDITIVES, GROWTH STIMULANTS, MEDICANTS, AND TRANQUILIZERS IN LAYER RATIONS ON THE FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF EGGS E. O. ESSARY AND C. E. HOLMES

Virginia Polytechnic Institute,

Blacksburg, Va.

Eggs from eight pens of thirty hens each from a commercial Leghorn-type strain cross were used to determine the influence of feeding arsanilic acid, Furazolidone, Reserpine, Nihydrazone, and Amprolium at the recommended levels, and aureomycin-10 at two different levels in a layer ration on the functional properties of eggs. All chemicals were fed continuously in the ration except one pen of aureomycin-10 which was fed 2000 gm. per ton of feed during the first week of each 28-day feeding period. Eggs were collected twice a day on each Wednesday, marked, and placed in a 55°F.. walkin type egg cooler until the following morning when they were evaluated. Specific gravity and pH of foam, and angel cake volume from each pen were comparable for each characteristic. A highly significant difference, however, existed between 28-day test periods for each of these characteristics. There was a significant difference between treatments for foam stability and tensile strength of the cakes and a highly significant difference between 28-day test periods for each of these factors. Ambient temperature and relative humidity tended to be associated with the simultaneous increase or decrease in many of these characteristics from all pens.

INFLUENCE OF WASHING, OILING, AND HOLDING CONDITIONS ON CHANGE IN HAUGH UNITS, WEIGHT LOSS AND EASE OF CLEANING EGGS E. O. ESSARY AND LARRY E . LAYMAN

Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg,

Va.

Three tests were conducted using a total of 968 eggs which were natural clean, natural soiled and soiled by hand to determine the influence of washing, oiling, and holding temperatures, on change in Haugh units, percentage weight loss and ease of cleaning by washing. The desirability of washing soiled eggs at the end of a week instead of each day in order to reduce the time and labor involved was also studied. Both clean and soiled eggs oiled the day laid and held in egg cooler (55°F.) for one week before washing for two minutes in 120°F. water to which a sanitizer-detergent was added showed Haugh units comparable to the control group measured on date of lay. Soiled eggs held in egg cooler, with or without oiling, showed comparable Haugh units at the end of the seven day holding period. Eggs washed the day laid and held at room temperature showed greater loss of weight and lower Haugh units than those washed or not washed and held in egg cooler. Clean eggs oiled the day laid and held in egg cooler showed significantly higher Haugh units than those not oiled. Based on reduction of Haugh units, eggs washed on date of lay deteriorated faster than those not washed until a week later. Moderately soiled eggs which were oiled and held in egg cooler one week before washing were cleaned by washing. Heavily soiled eggs not oiled and held in egg cooler, those oiled and held at room temperature, and those washed immediately after gathering on date of lay still showed slight stains after being washed. BETA APO-8'-CAROTENAL AS AN EGG YOLK PIGMENTER F. M. FARR, E. CASTRO AND J. R. COUCH

The A. & M. College of Texas, College Station, Tex. A method has been devised in which it is now possible to evaluate the pigmenting properties of various compounds in a period of 28 days. Beta apo-8'-carotenal has previously been described as to pigmenting properties. Additional studies have been conducted which include beta apo-8'-carot-

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weight classification than did the control pen. Those fed arsanilic acid laid approximately 19 percent more eggs and those fed aureomycin-10 at 10 gm. per ton laid 16 percent more eggs in the large weight classification and above than did the controls. Egg production was highest (76.57%) in the pen fed aureomycin-10 at 10 gm. per ton followed by the pen fed Amprolium (74.83%). Egg production was approximately 5 percent less in the pen fed aureomycin-10 at 2000 gm. per ton (68.85%) than in the control pen. Amprolium fed birds laid the greatest number of lbs. of eggs. Pounds of feed per lb. of eggs ranged from a low of 2.52 lbs. to 2.89 lbs.

ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC STUDIES ON CERTAIN RESPIRATORY MUSCLES OF THE CHICKEN 1 M. R. FEDDE, RAY E. BURGER AND R. L. KITCHELL

University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn. Direct and integrated action potentials from certain respiratory muscles in SCWL cocks were obtained with a bipolar needle electrode. Electrical activity of the left M. obliquus abdominis internus of lightly anesthetized birds showed a transient decrease lasting approximately five to ten seconds following the additional intravenous injection of as little as six mg. of sodium pentobarbital. This was followed by a marked transient increase in activity followed by a prolonged period in which the activity was less than that before the additional anesthetic was given. Time relationships of the electrical activity of the right M. external intercostal, M. obliquus abdominis internus, M. scalenus, and M. costi-sternalis, pars major, to the sternal movements showed no significant differences when birds were in either the supine or the upright positions. Inspiratory muscles were electrically active before the attainment of the resting or mid-sternal position, and their activity continued into the expiratory phase of the cycle. Expiratory muscles were active before the beginning of expiration, and their activ-

ity continued well into the inspiratory phase of the cycle. The M. costo-pulmonalis of the pulmonary diaphragm are electrically active during expiration. 1 Published as Paper No. 5099, Scientific Journal Series of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station. This work was supported, in part, by NSF Grant No. G17666 and a Research Grant of the Graduate School, University of Minnesota.

GENOTYPE BY ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS IN EGG LAYING CHICKENS MICHAEL FESTING AND A. W. NORDSKOG

Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa An experiment involving two commercial varieties of Leghorns, two lighting treatments (natural vs. a fourteen hour day) and two feeds (equal protein, different energy levels) was conducted in a study of specific genotype by environment interactions. Prior information showed that variety B matured eight days earlier and laid slightly smaller eggs at a faster rate than variety A. Eight pens each of 97 birds were involved. Data were collected on hen-housed egg production, egg weight, mortality, feed consumption and age at sexual maturity. A statistically significant interaction of varieties by lighting was obtained for egg weight, the two varieties having equal egg weight on the natural light treatment, but differing by 0.7 oz. per doz. on the 14 hour day. The interaction of varieties by lights for feed consumption approached significance, lighting causing an increased consumption of feed in variety A, but decreased consumption in variety B. Rate of egg production of variety A was 54.0% on natural lighting and 61.9% on the 14 hour day, a difference of 7.9%, whereas variety B laid at a rate of 61.3% and 62.9% on the two lighting treatments, a difference of only 1.6%, but this interaction was not statistically significant. Variety by feed interactions were unimportant in this study. The overall results indicate that these varieties responded differently to different management treatments, with evidence that variety B was better buffered to a wider variety of environmental conditions.

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enal in various combinations with natural xanthophyll containing feed ingredients. Results of the above mentioned studies indicate that a NEPA number of 3.5 can be produced when 10 mgs. of beta apo-8'-carotenal is added perpound of diet containing 50% yellow corn and 5% corn gluten meal. When 10 mgs. of beta apo-8'-carotenal is added per pound of diet containing 50% yellow corn, 5% corn gluten meal and 5% dehydrated alfalfa meal, a NEPA number of 5.25 can be obtained in a period of 28 days. A level of 10 mgs. of beta apo-8'-carotenal added to a diet containing 50% yellow corn and 10% alfalfa meal has been shown to produce an egg yolk with a NEPA number of 7.2. The addition of 5.0 mgs. beta-apo-8'-carotenal per pound of diet containing 50% yellow corn, 5% corn gluten meal and 10% alfalfa has been shown to produce a NEPA number of 5.8. The final diet contained 50% yellow corn, 20% alfalfa and 5.0 mgs. beta apo-8'-carotenal and produced a NEPA number of 6.4. Each diet was tested with levels of 2.5, 5 and 10 mgs. per pound of beta-apo-8'carotenal.

1269

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

CONSUMER ATTITUDES TOWARD FRESH AND FROZEN CHICKEN RICHARD H. FORSYTHE, WILLIAM W. MARION AND NORMAN V. STRAND

Iowa State University of Science and Ames, Iowa

Technology,

ANATOMICAL RESPONSES TO NEWCASTLE VACCINATION BY WHITE LEGHORNS D. W. FRANCIS, R. H. ROBERSON AND M. D. FINKNER

New Mexico Agricultural Experiment University Park, N.M.

Station,

An investigation was undertaken to determine if differences occurred in several organs or glands of White Leghorns following vaccination with the Roakin strain of Newcastle disease virus. Chicks from 3 strains were hatched and reared to 28 days. They were equalized according to strain, sex and weight. One group served as a control while the other group was innoculated with the normal dose of a commercial wing-web Newcastle vaccine (Roakin). Four hatches were

T H E RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHELL STRENGTH AND CERTAIN CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF EGG SHELLS 1 F. R. FRANK, R. E. BURGER AND M. H. SWANSON

University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn. Breaking strength (crushing weight), specific gravity, and shell thickness were determined on ISO eggs. The relation of breaking strength to the other physical characteristics was determined by multiple regression. Six composite samples were selected on the basis of positive and negative deviation from the multiple regression equation ( ± 1000 gm., ± S00 gm.) for complete amino acid analysis on a Spinco Ammo-acid Analyzer. These results indicate that, due to the absence of hydroxyproline, the matrix protein is not collagen; that, due to low cysteine and methionine, the matrix protein is not keratin; that, due to the high content of aspartic, glutamic and glycine, the matrix protein is very similar to the non-collagenous protein in bovine and porcine cartilage; that, due to lack of difference among samples, no relationship exists between breaking strength and composition of the matrix protein(s). Scialic acid was identified in the organic material of the "true" shell. Calcium content ranged from 331.7 to 400.7 mg./gm., carbonate from 504.4 to 558.1 mg./gm. of true shell; means were 364.4 and 537.1 mg./gm., respectively. 1 Published as Paper No. 5087, Scientific Journal Series, of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station.

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A randomly selected sample of households from the city of Marshalltown, Iowa was interviewed to collect information on consumer preferences for fresh or frozen frying chicken. Interview schedules included questions on purchases, eating patterns and related characteristics of persons and households. Retailers from whom the interviewees purchased their meat and chicken supply were also interviewed in depth to determine their attitudes toward these two forms of chicken and to determine if retailer practices had any effect on consumer preference patterns. Companion studies were carried out in the Los Angeles and Minneapolis-St. Paul area and will be reported elsewhere. While attempts were made to diminish the effect of relatively larger volume of fresh chicken in the stores, they were not completely successful. Out of a total of 189 respondents, 167 indicated they would purchase fresh poultry if price and quality were the same. Price did not appear to be the most important factor since 32% of the people indicated they would not use frozen, regardless of price. The average length of home refrigerator storage of fresh chicken was three days with none holding it longer than four. Fifty-three percent of the respondents indicated they didn't know how often frozen fryers were available, while only one percent didn't know of fresh.

treated in this manner. Five males and five females (220 total) were selected at random from each strain, treatment and hatch and killed at 42 days of age. Organ and gland weights were obtained. Highly significant differences were observed for relative weights of the heart, spleen and adrenals. Significant differences between sexes and treatments for weight gain and adrenal weight were noted. There were no significant differences for the bursa of Fabricius. Mortality was negligible. Changes in heart, spleen and bursa observed in chicks affected with Newcastle disease may appear to be great but when related to body size are not significant.

1271

ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS PERMEABILITY OF T H E HEN'S EGG SHELL

THE RELATIONSHIP OF METHYLATING COMPOUNDS AND TANNIN IN THE DIET OF CHICKS

D. FROMM

North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Raleigh, N.C.

Station,

H. L. FULLER AND SANG I K CHANG

University of Georgia, Athens, Ga. In previous reports grain sorghum hybrids containing high levels of tannin were shown to depress growth and increase liver lipids when fed to chicks. When diets containing tannic acid were supplemented with high levels of both choline and methionine, part of the growth depression caused by the tannic acid was alleviated. Two grain sorghum hybrids containing 0.2 and 2.0% tannin, respectively, were fed to chicks with and without supplemental choline and methionine. A highly significant growth depression occurred on the high tannin sorghum diet in the absence of supplemental choline and methionine. When choline and MHA 1 were added to the grain sorghum diets at the rates of 0.1 and 0.2% respectively, growth of the chick was excellent and approximately equal on both varieties. MHA1, choline, and betaine were found to be equal on a molar basis in alleviating a part of the growth depression caused by feeding 1% tannic acid in a corn-soy type diet to chicks. Maximum growth response on the tannic acid diet was obtained when both MHA 1 and choline were added at 0.1% but the growth depression was never completely overcome. 1

RELATIONSHIP OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY, SHELL THICKNESS, PERCENT SHELL, AND EGG WEIGHT IN MEASUREMENT OF EGG SHELL QUALITY J. L. FRY, E. E. STEELE AND L. D. RASPLICKA

Kansas State University, Manhattan,

Kans.

Correlation coefficients were determined for the commonly used methods of measuring shell quality, specific gravity, shell thickness and percent shell. Eggs were sampled from commercial laying strains in production for different lengths of time. All three measurements were taken on each egg tested and in addition egg weight was correlated with percent shell. Correlation coefficients were as follows: specific gravity—percent shell: 0.904; specific gravity— shell thickness: 0.802; percent shell—shell thickness : 0.842; and percent shell—egg weight: —0.083.

Registered trademark, Monsanto Chemical Co. USE OF AN ORAL PROGESTIN AS A METHOD OF CONTROLLING OVULATION IN S.C. WHITE LEGHORNS

D. I. GARD, J. E. WACHTSTETTER, J. F. WAGNER AND C. E.

REDMAN

Eli Lilly and Company, Greenfield, Ind. In a series of four experiments with individually caged S.C. White Leghorn pullets and hens, 6 chloroA6-17-acetoxy progesterone (CAP) has been fed at levels from 1 to 16 grams per ton of feed. This has resulted in a dose-response effect on inhibiting or suppressing ovulation. In Experiment 1, laying hens were fed CAP at levels of 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 grams per ton. Inhibition of ovulation occurred at the two higher levels. In Experiment 2, hens fed CAP at 8 grams per ton (about 0.8 mg./bird/day) required 10.0 days for cessation of lay and 9.4 days to initiate lay after removal of treatment.

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Permeability of the egg shell is an inherent function of the number and size of the pores in the shell, and the protein-like cuticular layer which envelopes the shell. The cuticular layer can be readily observed as the sticky material found on the shell of the new laid egg. The cuticle fills the mouth of each pore and thus serves as a regulatory mechanism in that it can physically impair the migration of microbes into the egg and yet permit the movement of gases through the shell. It is at the moment that the egg is laid that permeability is at a minimum. Several factors contribute to variability in permeability of the shell after the egg is laid some of which are ambient temperature, humidity, abrasion of the shell, washing the egg and ambient temperature changes. These environmental influences concomitantly affect the physical quality of the egg contents. Permeability increases the rate of C0 2 loss which in turn reflects a rise in pH of the albumen thus causing progressive deterioration of the gel albumen structure. In the presence of moisture, microbes can readily penetrate the egg shells which are more permeable.

1272

ABSTRACTS o r

GENETIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL FACTORS AFFECTING SKIN GRAFT SURVIVAL IN CHICKENS RAY E. GLEASON, R. C. FANGUY AND J . H . QUISENBERRY

The A. & M. College of Texas, College Station, Tex. An inbred population of Single Comb White Leghorns was used to study skin homograft reactions between full sibs. Graft survival time was analyzed by sex of donor and host, and according to the B, D and E blood group system genotypes. Differential leucocyte counts and serum protein analyses were made on selected host birds. Statistical analysis showed that graft survival was not significantly affected by the D and E blood group loci. It was also evident that the percent graft survival varied greatly between families even when all blood group systems were matched. Sixty-six percent of the homografts survived the ten-week scoring period when donor and host were of identical blood type, indicating that genetic factors other than blood groups are involved. When donor and host birds were mismatched at the B system, no grafts survived for ten weeks. Attempts were made to demonstrate specific

isohemagglutinins in the serum of graft-recipient birds. Antibodies specific for appropriate B system antigens were definitely identified. Evidence indicates that D system antibodies also may be produced. There appears to be no significant relationship between skin graft survival time and leucocyte count, serum protein level, or sex. A POSSIBLE TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE INDUCED CYTOPLASMIC CHANGE IN T H E CHICKEN BRUCE GLICK

Mississippi State University, State College, Miss. The mean antibody response to bovine serum albumin (BSA) of 5-week-old chickens hatched from eggs dipped in ethyl alcohol (EA), 670 mg. testosterone propionate (TPi) per 100 ml. EA, and 2 gm. of TP per 100 ml. EA (TP 2 ) was 37, 13, and 2 u.g. AbN, respectively. All of the EA birds produced antibody to BSA. Antibody was produced by only 50 and 28 percent of the TPi and TP 2 birds, respectively. The mean bursa weight of the birds at hatching for the EA, TPi and TP 2 birds was 59, 19, and 5 mg., respectively. Reciprocal matings were made between chickens hatched from the TPi and EA dipped eggs. The three mating types, EA males X EA females, TPi males X EA females, and EA males X TPi females, produced chicks with a mean bursa weight at hatching of 43, 42, and 33 mg., respectively. The significant reduction in bursa size where TPi females were employed enhances a previous finding (Fed. Proc. 2 1 : 29) that the influence of TP on bursa size in the parental generation was apparently carried over to the Fi and F 2 generations. The testosterone propionate may have induced a cytoplasmic change resulting in either a Dauermodification or true cytoplasmic inheritance. Supported in part by a N.S.F. grant. VERIFICATION OF COMPUTED AMINO ACID REQUIREMENTS R. S. GORDON, W. A. DUDLEY, K. H. MADDY AND L. J.

MACHIIN

Monsanto Chemical Company, St. Louis 66, Mo. Formulating diets to meet amino acid requirements, using linear programing techniques, depends on accurate assessment of the amino acid contribution of the feed ingredients. To test the nutrient contribution of corn and soybean oil meal, diets were formulated to provide a mini-

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In the third experiment, CAP was fed to pullets in a 23 factorial arrangement of treatments to study levels (8 vs. 16 grams per ton), age when treatment started (115 vs. 129 days), and age at treatment withdrawal (171 vs. 199 days of age). Eight and 16 grams per ton (about 0.7 and 1.4 mgs./bird/day) delayed onset of ovulation by 18.6 and 28.8 days relative to the control median of 169 days. Age when treatment started had little influence controlling onset of ovulation. Upon treatment withdrawal at 171 days of age, the median hen laid 11.9 days later; whereas, the median hen laid 3.6 days after the 199 days of age withdrawal. Egg mass data were obtained until the hens were 435 days of age. All treatments except those fed 8 grams per ton from 129-171 days of age exceeded the controls in the production of large and medium eggs. In the last experiment, 3 levels (8, 12, and 16 grams per ton) suppressed ovulation of pullets about 7, 17, and 21 days, respectively. Age when treatment started (126, 140, and 147 days) again had little influence controlling onset of ovulation. All treatments decreased the time interval until median hen laid.

PAPERS

1273

ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

* Registered Trademark Monsanto Chemical Company for methionine hydroxy analogue.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE OCCURRENCE AND PREVENTION OF A RAPID DECLINE IN FERTILITY OF TURKEY BREEDERS D. E. GREENE, R. C. EATON, W. C. SCHOFIELD AND H. L. WILCKE

Ralston Purina Company, St. Louis 2, Mo. Precipitous declines in fertility have been observed in many commercial flocks of turkey breeders the past few years. There are indications that this is an infectious condition, but attempts to isolate a causative organism have been unsuccessful. Once fertility has dropped to a low level, no means of effecting recovery has been discovered. Birds from a commercial flock in which fertility had dropped to approximately 30% were obtained for study. Attempts to isolate pathogenic organisms from these specimens were unsuccessful. Hens inseminated with semen from toms of established fertility continued to produce infertile eggs. Excellent fertility resulted when virgin hens were fertilized by toms from the affected flock. Therefore, the basic cause of infertility appears to lie in the hens. Spontaneous occurrence of this condition in research facilities permitted an investigation of

tetracycline antibiotics in alleviating the problem. In Experiment 1 continuous use of 150 or 300 grams of chlortetracycline per ton in the breeder ration prevented the precipitous drop in fertility observed in the control group. In Experiment 2 fertility over six 28 day periods averaged 58% and dropped to a low of 5% in the control group. Hens fed a ration containing 200 grams chlortetracycline per ton, or hens injected sub-cutaneously with 150 mg. oxytetracycline at bi-weekly intervals averaged 74 and 75% fertility, respectively. Fertility did not drop below 50% in these two groups. SIGNIFICANCE OF SALMONELLA ORGANISMS IN FEED AND FEED INGREDIENTS L. C. GRUMBLES AND A. I. FLOWERS

The A. & M. College of Texas, College Station, Tex. The frequent presence of many serotypes of Salmonella in animal feed and feed ingredients has caused national and international concern among workers in animal disease and public health. Continuing investigations have shown the incidence of such organisms has not decreased. In two experiments using turkeys it was demonstrated by cultural and serologic examination that as few as 1000 organisms per gram of feed of Salmonella montevideo caused infection in turkeys. DIVERGENT SELECTION FOR EIGHTWEEK BODY WEIGHT IN WHITE WYANDOTTES N. R. GYLES AND J. E. THOMAS

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville,

Ark.

White Wyandottes were selected in opposite directions for 8-week body weight, starting with the same original stock in 1958. Birds selected for high 8-week weight were designated High-Line, while those chosen for low 8-week weight constituted the Low-Line. A third line, called HighLow, was selected for high 8-week body weight in conjunction with reduced housing weight at twenty weeks of age. In addition samples of the Athens-Canadian randombred controls were included, since 1959, in order to estimate annual changes in environment. Associated performance traits, such as fertility, hatchability, livability, egg quality, egg production, and body measurements, were measured on all three lines. After four generations there was a difference of slightly over one-half pound between the High-

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mum of 130, 100, 85 and 70% of the amino acid requirements of the chick. Chicks fed diets formulated to 70 and 85% of the requirement performed significantly poorer than those fed diets formulated to 100 and 130%. Supplementing the 85% diet with three amino acids predicted to be deficient, improved performance but did not equal that obtained from the 100% diet. With fish meal as a variable ingredient, diets were formulated to meet the amino acid requirements. The fish meal levels used in these diets required synthetic methionine supplementation (as MHA*). Since withdrawal of MHA depressed performance significantly, it is possible to verify the requirement predicted by the computer as well as demonstrating that the computer can combine ingredients to accurately meet the requirements of the chicks. Formulating to deficient levels of amino acids results in multiple deficiencies that cannot be corrected by just a few amino acids additions. Diets that were formulated to require a single synthetic amino acid were shown to respond significantly to that amino acid.

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Line and the Low-Line. Approximately two to three times more selection was practiced in choosing the male as compared with the female breeders. The effective heritabilities over the four generations ranged between twenty-eight and forty-four percent for separation of the HighLine from the Low-Line. Attempts to reduce twenty-week body weight while increasing eightweek body weight were unsuccessful in the HighLow-Line. The separation for body weight at eight weeks of age between the High-Line and the Low-Line was accompanied by marked changes in body measurements.

K. N. HALL AND J. V. SPENCER

Washington State University, Pullman, Wash. Broad Breasted Bronze mature hen turkeys and White Leghorn fowl, fed a turkey breeder ration, were used in this study. After slaughter and evisceration, the carcasses were chilled in ice water four hours and then in drained ice eight hours. The carcasses were cut into pieces, packaged, and then frozen and stored at —29°C. until used in the flavor studies. On the basis of aroma and flavor of roasted white and dark meats, a flavor profile panel selected the following terms to describe chicken and turkey: meaty-brothy, fatty, acid, ammonia, visceral, sulfurous, sweet, salty, bitter, browned, and unidentified. The intensity of each flavor component was recorded for the white meats, dark meats, and water extracts of the dark meats. Taste panel paired comparisons between chicken and turkey showed that the dark meats were distinguishable (P < 0.05) and that light meats, dark meat broths, partially extracted dark meats, partially dialyzed broths from dark meats, and dialysates from broths of dark meats were distinguishable ( P < 0 . 0 1 ) . Completely dialyzed broths of chicken and turkey dark meats were not distinguishable. URINARY FATTY ACID SECRETIONS AS AFFECTED BY ABRUPT DIETARY CHANGES DOUGLAS H A M M 1 AND A. B. WATTS

Louisian State University, Baton Rouge, La. Urine from surgically modified (for separation of urine and feces), nine-month old laying type hens, raised on a diethyl ether extracted practical type

1 Present address: Southern Utilization Research & Development Division, ARS, USDA, New Orleans 19, La.

EFFECT OF VARIOUS TREATMENTS UPON UTILIZATION OF OXYTETRACYCLINE R. H. HARMS, H. R. WILSON, J. E. STEARNS AND P. W. WALDROUP

Florida Agricultural Experiment Gainesville, Fla.

Station,

Five-week old broiler-type chicks which had been receiving a diet containing one percent calcium were used in this study. The experimental diet contained 0.4 percent calcium, 600 I.C.U. vitamin D 3 and 400 grams of oxytetracycline. The following materials were tested for their ability to increase antibiotic blood level: 8 pounds of terephthalic acid per ton; 6000 and 60,000 I.C.U. vitamin D 3 per pound; 16 and 160 mg. dienestrol diacetate per pound; 46 and 460 mg. of diethylstilbestrol per pound; 15 mg. of diethylstilbestrol injected per bird one week prior to obtaining blood; and one mg. of estradiol per day for three consecutive days. The negative control diet contained one percent calcium and 400 grams of oxytetracycline. Three replicates of three male and three females were used per treatment. Experimental diets were given five days prior to obtaining blood samples for antibiotic determinations. The addition of terephthalic acid, 160 mg. of dienestrol diacetate, or injecting the chicks with diethylstilbestrol or estradiol significantly increased the level of oxytetracycline in the blood. All of these treatments were equally effective. Diethylstilbestrol, high levels of vitamin D3, or low levels of dienestrol diacetate, in the feed did not influence antibiotic blood level.

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COMPARISON OF CHICKEN AND TURKEY FLAVOR

ration since hatch, was analyzed for total fatty acids. The addition of only 2% crude linoleic acid (ca. 85% 18:2) to the ration caused a threefold increase in the quantities of urinary fatty acids during the succeeding 24-hour period, the bulk of the increase being 18:2 acid. Although the 2% linoleic acid supplementation was continued, the quantity and profile of urinary fatty acids returned to presupplementation levels by the end of three days. This evidence might be construed to infer that linoleic acid is substrate for a specific enzyme system in the chicken or that kidney thresholds for fatty acids are subject to an adjustment period.

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T H E INFLUENCE OF SOLVENT EXTRACTED FISH MEAL, STABILIZED FISH OIL AND TEXTURE OF CORN IN BROILER RATIONS J. O. HARDIN AND J. L. MIIXIGAN

University of Maryland, College Park, Md.

G. C. HARRIS, JR. AND T. D. HOBBS

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville,

Ark.

These studies were conducted to determine the effect of fluid to gas ratio and dilution rate on the preservation of chicken spermatozoa in hypertonic carbonated extenders with high CO2 levels. Stock solutions of sodium citrate (0.1 g./ml.), citric acid (0.1 g./ml.) and sodium bicarbonate (0.05 g./ml.) were combined in varying proportions for CO2 levels from 1.2 to 1.8 gms./lOO ml. Extenders (freezing point depression—1.06°C.) contained 40 mg. oxytetracycline and 200 mg. dihydrostreptomycin sulfate per 100 ml. and were handled in refrigerated room at 2°C. Pooled semen samples were pipetted into 5 or 10 ml. glass ampules and diluted 1 to 2, 1 to 3 or 1 to 4. Ratios of fluid (diluted semen) to gas space in ampules were from 1:1.05 ml. to 1:6.78 ml. Ampules were sealed and stored at 2°C. for 24 or 48 hrs. Eight females were inseminated with 0.1, 0.15, 0.2 or 0.4 ml. of diluted semen depending upon dilution. Controls were given 0.05 or 0.1 ml. undiluted fresh semen. The 1 to 4 dilution gave significantly higher fertility than 1 to 2 dilution with all fluid to gas ratios but fertility differences between 1 to 4 and 1 to 3 were non-significant. In general, fertility was improved by storage with larger gas space but influence was less with 1 to 4 dilution. No significant differences due to C0 2 level were noted. THE EFFECT OF ALTERNATE INTAKE ON THE UTILIZATION OF CALCIUM OR PHOSPHORUS BY CHICKS DAVID A. HARVILLE AND T. S. NELSON

International Minerals and Chemical Corporation, Skokie, III. Experiments were conducted to study the effect of alternating the calcium and phosphorus intake of chicks on their utilization of these minerals. The basal diet used in these studies contained approximately 0.05% phosphorus and 0.10% calcium. S. C. White Leghorn chicks were fed diets containing (a) both supplemental calcium and phosphorus, (b) supplemental calcium only, and (c) supplemental phosphorus only. Diets (b) and

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Twelve hundred Cobbs S-6 strain PPLO-free broiler males were used in a broiler test on litter. Birds were divided into twelve groups. Four groups were fed diets containing 5% low fat (2.13%) fish meal, 4 groups on 10% low fat fish meal and 4 groups on 15% low fat fish meal. Diets in one half of the groups on each fish meal level contained stabilized menhaden fish oil to bring the fish oil level up to the equivalent of 13% oil in the fish meal. Pens 1 through 6 were fed finishers containing finely ground corn. Pens 7 through 12 were fed finishers containing coarsely cracked corn. The coarse corn was sifted so that 96% passed a # 4 Tyler Screen and 100% was held on a # 1 0 screen. The fine texture corn had 95% passing # 8 , 50% held on # 2 4 and 90% held on # 4 2 Tyler Screen. All diets were corn-soybean-fish meal diets in mash form. The starter contained 24% protein and 1057 Cal. productive energy per lb. The finisher contained 22% protein and 1094 Cal. productive energy per lb. Average 9 wk. weights on fine corn 4.32 lbs. with 2.13 conversion. Coarse corn 4.47 with 2.13 conversion. Nine week weights on all fish oil groups, 4.37 lbs., no fish oil 4.42 with 2.13 conversion on both. Nine week weights on all 5% fish meal groups 4.43 lbs., 10% fish meal, 4.39 lbs., 15% fish meal, 4.36 lbs. with no difference in conversion. There was a significant difference (at the 1% level) in 9 week weights in favor of the coarse cracked corn during the finisher period. There was no significant differences in either growth or feed conversion between any of the fish oil or meal levels and controls. There was a trend toward lighter weights with increased fish meal levels. .Feathering was satisfactory on all treatments. Pigmentation was slightly depressed by fish oil and slightly improved by the cracked corn.

EFFECT OF DILUTION RATE, FLUID TO GAS RATIO AND C0 2 LEVEL ON FERTILIZING CAPACITY OF CHICKEN SPERMATOZOA STORED IN CARBON DIOXIDE EXTENDERS

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

T H E LAYING FLOCK: A COMPETITIVE ENTERPRISE ON MIDWEST FARMS J. C. HEADLEY AND R. P. BENTZ

University of Illinois, Urbana, 111. Certain regional shifts in the location of egg production away from the midwest have taken place. The degree to which this trend continues or is reversed partially depends upon the competitive ability of the laying flock as a farm enterprise. The resources needed to produce eggs are scarce and limited and therefore have alternative uses. For egg production to be an economic undertaking in the midwest, laying flocks must be able to pay at least as much for resources of land, labor, and capital as these resources earn in the current employment elsewhere, i.e., hogs, cattle, dairy, crops, and off-the-farm. A study of two model midwestern farms of 160 and 320 acres suggests that under certain conditions laying flocks are competitive with other enterprises. Income-maximizing plans were constructed based on certain assumptions regarding prices of products, resources available, output per unit of input, and cost of inputs. Flocks of the larger sizes were generally more competitive on both farm sizes. The 160-acre model farm tended to use more layers to maximize income than the 320-acre farm, particularly when both farms were required to use certain livestock facilities assumed to be already in place. Labor restricted flock size on the large farms and feed production limited flock size on the small farm.

CRAMBE ABYSS1NICA MEAL AS A PROTEIN SOURCE FOR BROILERS H. R. HESKETH, C. R. CREGER AND J. R. COUCH

The A. & M. College of Texas, College Station, Tex. Crambe abyssinica, a member of the Cruciferae family, is an annual herb which grows wild in the Mediterranean area. Seeds from this plant contain an oil rich in erucic acid which can readily be converted into brassylic and pelargonic acids. These acids are used in the production of polyamid fibers, polyesters, and many other important chemicals. Because it has such a wide range of potential uses, it has been estimated up to 65,000 acres may eventually be planted with this new crop. The extracted seed contains approximately 4 3 % protein, and amino acid analyses have shown it also contains a well balanced supply of the essential amino acids. Crambe abyssinica meal has been compared with soybean oil meal as a protein source in broiler chick diets. The birds were reared in raised wire floor cages with 15 birds per cage. Each treatment was replicated four times and the chicks were weighed at two and four weeks of age. Rations containing S, 10, 20, and 42% of Crambe abyssinica meal produced a growth depression which was indirectly proportional to the amount of meal added and efficiency of feed utilization was also decreased. The chicks fed Crambe abyssinica meal had enlarged thyroid glands suggesting it contains a goitrogenic compound.

NITROGEN METABOLISM IN YOUNG CHICKENS RECEIVING DIETARY ANTIBIOTICS D. A. H E T H , H. R. BIRD AND C. A. BAUMAN

University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis. Attempts were made to determine whether the antibiotic growth response is related to intestinal ammonia concentration. Birds receiving an adequate practical-type diet supplemented with 5 to 500 p.p.m. of zinc bacitracin, spiramycin or erythromycin nearly always grew better than the controls. Antibiotic-supplemented birds appeared to have a decreased intestinal ammonia concentration compared to the controls from 4 through 14 days of age. After 14 days there was a lesser concentration in the controls. Most of the ammonia was found in the mesenteric intestine. The concentration of intestinal ammonia in-

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(c) were fed to the same chicks during alternate 24-hour periods. Phosphorus was supplied as monobasic sodium phosphate and calcium was supplied as calcium carbonate, except in one experiment. Percentage bone ash was the criterion of response. Compared to diet (a), the consumption of diet (c) was almost normal while that of diet (b) was drastically reduced when the chicks were fed ad libitum. Consumption of diet (b) was not improved with calcium supplied as the sulfate, oxide, hydroxide or acetate. Since calcium appeared to be unpalatable, equalized feed intake was obtained by restricted feeding. Under these conditions, the chicks utilized the calcium and phosphorus in diet (a) better than that in diets (b) and (c) showing that both of these minerals must be present in the diet at the same time for maximum utilization.

ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

A STUDY OF EGG MASS AND BIOMASS AND OF THEIR COMPONENTS IN S.C. WHITE LEGHORNS A M P F. HICKS JR.

Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Penn. The data from three generations, including 3854 individual records, were analyzed to determine the phenotypic and genetic attributes of the traits studied. In a hierarchical arrangement, the aggregate phenotype, biomass, is determined by the sum of its two components, egg mass and average adult body weight. Egg mass, or the total weight of the reproductive output, is, in turn, the product of egg number times average egg weight. Phenotypically, as determined by correlation and" linear regression methods, the variations in egg number were overwhelmingly more important in determining differences in egg mass than were variations in egg weight. Similarly, egg mass was more significant than average adult body weight with respect to variations in biomass. The genetic correlations between biomass and its components and between egg mass and its components were, of course, positive. The correlations between egg number and egg mass and egg number and biomass were exceptionally high, being on the order of .8-.9. There was a consistent, low, positive genetic association between egg mass and average adult body weight. The heritabilities of egg mass and biomass are equivalent to or slightly higher than the heritability of egg number.

T H E EFFECT OF VARYING LEVELS OF CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS ON EGG PRODUCTION AND EGG QUALITY S. W. HINNERS, J. T. GHOLSON AND M . L. RlTCHASON

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, 111. Hens having completed six months of egg production were placed on regular laying ration for three weeks prior to start of experiment. The birds were assigned randomly to fill all experimental pens using nine birds for each replication. Three birds were placed in each of three adjacent cages to form a replicate. A corn-soybean oil meal basal supplemented with major vitamin and mineral requirements except for calcium and phosphorus was used. The basal was calculated to contain 0.35% calcium and 0.50% phosphorus. Additions of 3.5, 7.0, 10.5 and 12.5% ground limestone with 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0% of steamed bone meal were made to the basal ration. Calcium ranged from 2.27 to 6.27%, whereas, phosphorus ranged from 0.705 to 1.018% in the test diets. Shell thickness increased as the percent of calcium in the diet increased up to 5.5%. Hen-day egg production decreased slightly but significantly with the higher calcium levels. Increasing phosphorus levels from 0.705 to 1.018% failed to show any significant changes in shell thickness or henday egg production. Within the limits of this trial, no significant differences in egg weight, albumen height, Haugh units, changes in body weight or mortality was associated with changes in the calcium or phosphorus levels of the diet. CONSUMER ATTITUDES AND EGG QUALITY S. W . HlNNERS AND B . D . ROWLAND

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, 111. Personal interviews and attitude ratings were obtained from 226 households in 16 Illinois cities and St. Louis, Missouri. Six egg samples were obtained from the consumer at time of interview and held under refrigeration until 8:00 p.m. each evening for evaluation. Consumers accepted USDA breakout grade No. 2 more frequently than any of the other grades with a linear decline in acceptance as the breakout grade number increased. They also accepted eggs having small specks of dirt (dirty eggs) in preference to moderately stained (C) eggs. Ninety-eight percent of those interviewed in-

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creased during the first 4 hours after a 14-hour fast in both the antibiotic-supplemented and control birds. When chicks were fasted for 14 hours, the intestine still contained ammonia, although gross observation indicated it to be free of contents. Three series of replicated 4-week nitrogen balance determinations were made on control and antibiotic-supplemented chicks. The antibioticsupplemented birds tended to ingest more nitrogen and retain a greater proportion of it than the controls. Regression analysis showed a significant 1.8S percent decrease in the proportion of ingested nitrogen excreted for every 10 percent increase in weight due to antibiotic supplementation.

1277

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

dicated their eggs were satisfactory. The following averages were obtained for criteria studied: cleanliness score, 4.35; albumen height, 4.35 mm.; Haugh units, 60.2; candle grade, 4.69; egg weight, 25.06 oz./doz.; and blood spot size, .03. Differences in egg quality in the homes were noted to be associated with different cities, types of stores, economic status and price. In selecting eggs to buy, size, cleanliness, freshness, grade, color of shell, appearance, and brand name were considered of importance in the order named.

WALTER G. HUNSAKER

Canada Department of Agriculture, Ottawa, Ont., Canada The effect of atropine on cardio-respiratory function was studied in anesthetized SCWL hens and Hungarian geese. The drug, in saline, was injected intravenously at 5 dose levels ranging from 18.0 to 91.1 u,g. P e r kilogram of body weight. There were 4 to 5 birds per dose level. Treatment effect was measured as follows: mean change during one minute period immediately after injection

X 100

mean value during one minute period immediately prior to injection Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate of chickens tended to be depressed with increasing doses of atropine. After an initial rise, respiration rate was also depressed. None of the parameters, however, changed more than 5% above or below the pre-treatment level with the exception of diastolic pressure which was depressed to a maximum of 13% at the 40.5 |j.g. dose level. In contrast, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate of geese increased markedly with increasing doses of atropine. Maximum increases of 9%, 25% and 47% for the three parameters respectively, occurred at the 40.5 |xg. dose level. Respiration rates of geese were depressed with increasing doses of atropine.

J. R. H U N T

Canada Department of Agriculture, Ottawa, Ont., Canada A total of 735 eggs from hens on 6 nutritional treatments (10 hens/treatment) were examined to obtain egg weight and egg specific gravity as well as percentage, thickness, and weight of shell. The latter 3 criterion were obtained with and without shell membranes. The nutritional treatments provided eggs of shell quality ranging from excellent to poor. Applying linear multiple regression analysis with respect to percent shell or shell thickness on egg specific gravity and egg weight indicated treatment differences. Partial correlation coefficients were variable between treatments. These differences, which could not be explained on a nutritional basis, suggested the form of the equation to be non-linear. Working with the assumptions that, (a) all eggs are of the same shape and (b) egg shell thickness is uniform over the egg, it was found that percent shell is independent of egg weight and linear with respect to the reciprocal of egg specific gravity. The equation 185.7 % shell = 179.9 • egg specific gravity was obtained. Egg shell thickness was not independent of egg weight and took the form: egg weight . shell thickness:

\

o.; 3.33"!

specific gravity /

[1.58 egg specific gravity — 1.61] Amount of shell membranes was not associated with percent shell, shell thickness or shell weight. THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RADIATION OF FOWL SEMEN ON ECONOMIC TRAITS H. M. HYRE, HOMER PATRICK AND R. S. DUNBAR, JR.

West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.Va. Such traits as fertility, hatchability, growth rate, egg production and egg weight of a line of New Hampshires produced from irradiated semen were

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EFFECT OF ATROPINE ON CARDIORESPIRATORY FUNCTION IN CHICKENS AND GEESE

PREDICTING PERCENT SHELL AND THICKNESS FROM EGG WEIGHT AND SPECIFIC GRAVITY

1279

ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

compared to those of a line produced from nonirradiated semen. The treated semen was collected and irradiated with 1500 roentgens at a dose rate of 3600r per hour. There was no significant difference in the 10week body weights of the two lines, however, mortality to 10 weeks of age was 37 percent greater in the non-irradiated line. Egg weight of the treated line was 2.37 percent less than that of the non-treated line, while egg production was 9.60 percent greater in the treated line than in the nontreated group. Irradiation of the sperm reduced fertility 45.7 percent and hatchability 28.8 percent.

R. GEORGE JAAP

Ohio Agricultural Experiment Columbus 10, Ohio

Station,

Eight-week body weight in the Maine Broiler Tests averaged to increase 0.2 lb. per year between 1953 and 1962. This progress has arisen from both genetical and environmental (feed) improvement. Jaap, Smith and Goodman (Poultry Sci. 4 1 : 1439-1441, 1962) estimated the genetic gain in eight-week weight of commercial broilers to have been 0.12 lb. per generation between 1955 and 1959. Recent data, from three populations of diverse ancestry have demonstrated that genetic progress has rapidly diminished when measured by increases in eight-week body weight per generation. This is the first indication that there may be a genetic limit, or ceiling, to eight week body weight under the present genetic composition of broiler strains. It is unlikely that this ceiling can be attributed to increased homozygosis from selection, inbreeding or genetic drift. There appears to be plenty of genetic variation remaining in these populations. Some homeostatic mechanisms must be preventing its utilization under the present gene frequencies in two of these populations. There is evidence that slight progress is being made in one of the populations which originated from a cross between the other two strains.

W. R. J E N K I N S

Federal Extension Service, USDA, Washington 25, D.C. An extension program contains the following: agreed-upon priority needs, problems and interests that fall "within" the scope of extension's educational responsibilities together with the relevant objectives that are to be achieved within a designated period of time, preferably recorded in written form. Developing programs for the future should follow the same process as being recommended for those of today. The principles remain the same: only the situation will be changed hi the future. Making the extension program fit the changing situation is really a matter of keeping the program current after it is once developed. In this respect, extension programs are similar to research and teaching programs. Once the direction has been decided, constant adjustments are necessary, but drastic changes are seldom necessary. This paper attempts to present the process used in developing effective, up-to-date extension poultry programs. Ideas and examples of successful program building efforts are included.

AN EXTENSION APPROACH TO T H E SOLUTION OF AN INDUSTRY PROBLEM W. R. J E N K I N S

Federal Extension Service, USDA, Washington 25, D.C. AND MARY E. GERMAN AND DAVID O'CONNOR

Washington State University, Pullman, Wash. One of the important responsibilities of the Cooperative Extension Service is to offer solutions or alternatives for the problems of its audiences. Problem solving can be simple or complex, formal or informal, personal or impersonal. How to market and prepare breeder turkeys each spring are the bases for many enquiries received by extension specialists in poultry, home economics and consumer education in addition to those in various segments of the poultry industry. This paper presents an example of a multi-disciplinary survey and workshop approach to the solution of one problem which confronts the turkey industry each year.

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A GENETIC LIMIT FOR EIGHT-WEEK BODY WEIGHT IN CURRENT BROILER STRAINS

DEVELOPING POULTRY EXTENSION PROGRAMS FOR THE FUTURE

1280

ABSTRACTS OF

T H E CHEMICAL ENVIRONMENT OF T H E FOWL MORLEY R. KARE

State University of North Carolina, Raleigh, N.C.

THE USE OF BREWERS' DRIED GRAINS IN SOME POULTRY RATIONS E. W. KIENHOLZ, P. A. THORNTON AND R. E . MORENG

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo. Brewers' dried grains (BDG) were included in commercial-mash-type poultry rations as a protein source, thereby replacing soybean oil meal (SOM) and corn; this having the effect of slightly reducing the productive calorie content of diets. Egg production and liver fat measurements were taken. In a floor study, the use of BDG as 40% of the diet did not support adequate initial laying hen performance; however, overall egg production for 11 months and reproductive performance was excellent. In a cage study, BDG as 40% of the diet supported excellent laying performance. This difference may have been due to presence or absence of BDG in growing diets. Hens receiving BDG rations had significantly less body weight. and liver fat at 68 weeks of age than the controls. The reason for this difference is unknown, but the data indicate that BDG may be of value in reducing obesity in hens.

Diets with 20% BDG, but not diets with 40% BDG, supported normal turkey growth to 16 weeks of age, and normal chick growth to four weeks of age. It was concluded that BDG may be included in poultry rations to meet part of the protein requirement. MEASURING BREEDERS' GENETIC PROGRESS THROUGH CORNELL CONTROLS IN RANDOM SAMPLE TESTS STEVEN C. KING

United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Md. An estimate of genetic progress made through selection is readily available from random sample test data. Cornell randombred controls have been entered in nine or more tests since the 1958-59 test year. The combined summary of egg production tests, prepared each year by the United States Department of Agriculture, provides regressed means for each of the economically important traits for the controls and commercial stocks. Commercial stocks representative of popular breeding systems were expressed as deviations from the Cornell control stock for the traits age at first egg, percent hen day egg production, body weight, egg weight and laying house mortality. The results show that consistent trends in genetic progress can be demonstrated with this procedure. Most poultry breeders have decreased age at first egg, while increasing egg weight. Breeders who had stock with above average body weight have tended to reduce the mean of that trait. Few breeders in recent years have made gains in percent hen day egg production or mortality, except by line or strain substitution. When percent hen day egg production gains have been made for a given stock, there usually have been accompanying increases in laying house mortality. INFLUENCE OF HIGH LEVELS OF DEHYDRATED ALFALFA MEAL ON EGG YOLK COLOR, PRODUCTION, FERTILITY AND HATCHABILITY J. R. KINGAN AND T. W. SULLIVAN

University of Nebraska, Lincoln 3, Neb. In of 8, meal were

an experiment of 38 weeks duration levels 12, 16 and 20 percent of dehydrated alfalfa (20% protein) in a corn-soybean meal diet fed to S. C. White Leghorn hens. Two

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Animals in the wild rarely, if ever, suffer from malnutrition where starvation is not a factor. Their senses direct them in selecting an adequate diet. With domestication the qualities which originally were critical for survival are now of no apparent consequence. The present domestic fowl, a product of intensive selective breeding, still has receptors which respond to specific chemical qualities of the stimulant. The pattern of response is uniquely different from mammalian species tested and also from other members of the class Aves. The nature of the fowl's chemoreceptors has been in part defined. Some of the variables that can influence sensory behavior have been studied. The results support a concept of differences in degree between individuals and absolute differences between species. The response to chemicals suggests absolute specificity. Current experiments are directed to an understanding of the intricate interrelationship of taste, diet, and metabolism.

PAPERS

1281

ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

INTESTINAL ABSORPTION OF METALETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETIC ACID (EDTA) COMPLEXES IN CHICKENS THOMAS I. KOIKE, F. H. KRATZER AND PRAN VOHRA

University of California, Davis, Calif. A segment of the small intestine (14-22 cm. in length) caudal to the duodenal loop was isolated in vivo in the anesthetized chicken. Portal blood draining the isolated loop was collected continuously for 2 or more hours following the placement of a solution (1-2 ml.) containing doubly labeled complexes of Zn C3 -EDTA-C" or Ca 45 -EDTA-C" into the lumen of the loop. Warmed heparinized blood was infused continuously into a jugular vein at a rate of 0.3-0.4 ml./min. to maintain the blood volume. Analysis of the collected blood indicated the absorption of the labeled complexes from the loop. The C'VZn65 ratio in blood (15.1-14) and residual solution in loop (15.7) was of the same order but higher than that in the original complex (1213.6) suggesting a selective adsorption of Zn6S on the intestinal walls. The C14/Ca4!i ratio in blood (0.65) was greater than that in residual solution in loop (0.36) or in original complex (0.59) indicating a greater transfer of EDTA-C 14 to blood than Ca45 which was concentrated in the loop solution.

A STUDY OF FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEL BLISTERS IN POULTRY C. H. KOONZ, E. J. STRANDINE AND R. E. GRAY

Swift and Company, Chicago, 111. Keel blisters in broilers are responsible for an important percentage of undergrades. Also, they interfere with the successful production of roasters, capons and turkeys. Keel blister formation is influenced by many factors including selection, care and depth of litter; weight of birds at market time; control of disease; ventilation and by other management factors. The present study was designed to determine the influence of litter, wire floors, concrete floors, prominence of keel bone and rubber pads on the time of appearance and size of blisters. Also, the effect on blister formation of surgically removing a part of the keel bone was determined. Wire floors were found to encourage blister development whereas rubber pads markedly retarded them. Blister development was prevented through the surgical removal of a part of the keel bone in day old baby chicks. This suggests that they are due to irritation of tissues immediately adjacent to the keel bone. The results also suggest that a practical solution in preventing keel blisters is selection by geneticists and breeders of birds that lack prominent keel bones. EFFECTS OF U - l l , 55SA ON THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM OF FEMALE DOMESTIC FOWL 1 WALTER KORNFELD

University of Georgia, Athens, Ga. A new water soluble, non-steroidal, synthetic mammalian anti-estrogen was tested for its effect on the avian reproductive system. Three groups of pullets, on experiment from the age of 60 days until 24 hours after the last treatment, received 40 daily, subcutaneous injections (0.00, 1.50, and 3.00 mg./kg. respectively) of triethylamine, 2-[p(6-methoxy-2-phenylinden-3-yl)-phenoxy] hydroChloride ( U - l l , 55SA, Upjohn) or of the carrier. Comb growth and ovarian weight increased significantly due to treatment. Microscopic sections of the ovaries appeared to be normal. The right gonads remained rudimentary. Neither body weights, pituitary weights, oviduct weights, nor pituitary gonadotropin levels were affected. At the age of 6J4 months, layers from the same hatch received 3.00 mg./kg. of U - l l , 555A daily for 9 days by the same route as before. Neither

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groups of 35 birds, maintained in floor pens, were assigned to each dietary treatment. The higher levels of alfalfa meal significantly increased yolk color, while egg production, feed efficiency, fertility and hatchability remained quite satisfactory. Diets with 8, 12, 16 and 20 percent of alfalfa meal gave average N. E. P. A. numbers of 4.8, 5.4, 5.9 and 6.3, respectively. Likewise, the percent hen-day egg production rates were 75.5, 75.3, 74.2 and 72.4; feed efficiency (lbs./dozen eggs) values were 4.93, 4.83, 4.71 and 4.96; percent hatchability values were 88.7, 93.7, 94.0 and 93.1. Egg yolk color within all treatments declined significantly during the hot weather months of June, July and August. This decline was apparently due to lower feed intake (less energy required) per egg laid, and hence a lower xanthophyll intake per egg. No harmful or toxic effects due to high levels of alfalfa meal were observed.

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ABSTRACTS OF

egg production (which requires cyclic LH release) nor comb growth were affected. The data indicate that prolonged treatment of birds with U-11, S55A caused an unexplained, normal ovarian growth response. The comb growth effect which appeared only during the third week of treatment, was probably a result of increased ovarian activity. No anti-estrogenic activity of the drug was demonstrated. 1 Supported in part by NSF grant G-1633S and USPH grant A-4875.

F. H. KRATZER AND PRAN VOHRA

University of California, Davis, Calif. Chelates with stability constants for zinc ranging from 5.3 to 18.8 were tested in a zinc-deficient diet containing isolated soybean protein for growth promoting activity with turkey poults. These were added at levels of 0.685 millimole/kg. diet. Propylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 2-hydroxypropylene-diaminetetraacetic acid, ethylenediaminediacetic acid, versenol, and nitrilotriacetic acid gave growth responses of the same approximate order as those of versene (EDTA). EDDHA, thiodipropionic acid, DTPA, ethylenebis (oxyethylenenitrilo) tetra acetic acid, and (2-hydroxyethylimino) diacetic acid gave definite growth responses but were less active than EDTA. Ethylenediaminebitartrate, l-amino-2 naphthol4-sulfonic acid, thalidomide, versene-3-Fe, CDTA, triethylenetetraamine, iminodiacetic acid, ethylenedinitrilotetraethanol were relatively ineffective in promoting growth of poults on a zinc-deficient diet. A stability constant between 12-17 was most favorable for growth promoting activity. BIOSTATISTICAL STUDY OF GROWTH IN CHICKENS G. F . KRAUSE, P. B. SIEGEL AND D. C. HURST

Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, Va. A study was made to investigate the inheritance of entire growth patterns. Pedigreed matings for Athens-Canadian Randombred chickens were used throughout. Growth was determined on the basis of body weights obtained at four day intervals for each individual. The juvenile growth of each individual was characterized by a functional form, which in-

volved three variables, (1) maximum growth rate, (2) final body weight and (3) age at half final weight. Selection was made on the basis of the values of these random variables. The heritability of these variables, hence the entire growth curve, was estimated. Theoretical studies involving the probability distribution of growth curves and derived growth information were also made. Various correlations among growth characteristics were estimated and found to be for males and females respectively, rl2 = .7993, .6827; rl3 = .0176, .0091; and r23 = .4328, .6827. A procedure is proposed to investigate the functional relationship between the growth of males and females. This involves the use of a set of structural equations with coefficients estimated by the regression of offspring on parent. COMPARISON OF INDIRECT METHOD TO DIRECT ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS IN THE TURKEY 1 L. M. KRISTA, R. E. BURGER AND P. E. WAIBEL

University of Minnesota, St. Paul 1, Minn. Simultaneous blood pressure readings were made by direct and indirect methods on unanesthetized Broad Breasted White turkeys within each of three age groups (6, 8, and 10 weeks). The birds were held in individual cages large enough for free movement. Direct blood pressure measurements were recorded by cannulation of the brachial artery (with local procaine anesthesia). In the indirect method the cuff which was designated for laying hens was used for all ages. The mean blood pressures of the direct method were compared to the systolic measurements of the indirect method. Excitement and/or movement of the turkey produced a shortlasting drop in the blood pressure recordings. These changes were observed in both the direct and indirect methods of measurement. Regression analysis showed that an increase of one mm. Hg by the direct method is associated with a corresponding increase of one mm. Hg via the indirect method (regression coefficient of 1.06 Sb = 0.048). Adjustment of cuff size for body weight is not necessary within this age group. The indirect recordings are 30 mm. Hg higher than the direct. 1 Published as Paper No. 5097, Scientific Journal Series of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station. Supported by grant H-4177 from National Institute Public Health Service.

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INFLUENCES OF VARIOUS CHELATES ON ZINC AVAILABILITY

PAPERS

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ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RADIATION ON EGG PRODUCTION CHARACTERISTICS OF LEGHORN PULLETS W. F. KRUEGER, W.

C. BANKS, J.

C. HENSLEY

AND M . FRIEDBERG

The A.& M. College of Texas, College Station, Tex.

THE HERITABILITY OF THE ALBUMEN-YOLK RATIO IN LEGHORNS W. F. KRUEGER, A. T. HILL AND D. D.

MALIK

The A. & M. College of Texas, College Station, Tex. AND NEAL C. WARD

Pasadena, Tex. Samples of birds from two generations of Leghorns were utilized to determine the heritable nature of the albumen-yolk ratio. The sample of layers from the first generation consisted of 11 sire groups, 45 dam families and 189 daughters. One hatch from the succeeding generation constituted the second sample. It consisted of 10 sire groups, 58 dam families and 200 daughters. Data were collected from one to eight eggs from each of the daughters.

EFFECT OF DIET ON LIVER PHOSPHOLIPID DIMETHYLETHANOLAMINE IN POULTS B. W. LANGER, JR.* AND F. H. KRATZER

University of California, Davis, Calif. Dimethylethanolamine (DMEA) was determined, using gas chromatography, in the livers of turkey poults fed diets which were deficient in methionine and vitamin Bi2 and in which the choline was replaced by an equimolar amount of DMEA. The addition of vitamin B ]2 to these diets resulted in an average decrease of 50% in DMEA content. When methionine was added to the diet no DMEA could be detected. This may indicate that vitamin Bi2, by increasing the synthesis of methyl groups caused a reduction of liver phospholipid DMEA which was converted to choline. Reduced amounts of DMEA in vitamin Bi2 supplemented, methionine deficient livers suggest that, vitamin BJ2 despite its participation in the de novo synthesis of labile methyl groups, has a limited biosynthetic capacity. Dietary methionine apparently permitted complete utilization of dietary DMEA. * Present address: Department of Pediatrics, Philadelphia General Hospital, Philadelphia 4, Pennsylvania.

EFFECTS OF FEEDING MUSTARD SEED TO IMMATURE CHICKENS AND LAYING HENS R. K. LANSON AND A. ABDULLA

American University of Beirut, Beirut,

Lebanon

The wild mustard plant infests grain fields in many areas of the world. No studies have been

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Pedigreed male and female White Leghorns 166 days of age and in 45% production were exposed to gamma radiation emitted from a cobalt 60 source. Groups of 10 males and 10 females were given continuous dosages of 200, 300, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1400 and 1600 r of gamma radiation at the rate of SO r per hour. In addition to establishing the LD S0/30 dosage, data also were collected on the effects of radiation on certain economic traits. Recovery rate from radiation injury was also noted. Data reported covers a period of 42 days post-radiation. The LD 50/30 dosage was established as approximately 800 r at 50 r of gamma radiation per hour. At this level of radiation 55% mortality was reached at 17 days post-radiation with no further mortality occurring through 42 days post-radiation. Hen-housed egg production was not influenced materially by gamma radiation until the level reached 600 r. The lower limit in egg production occurred between the 11th and 20th day postradiation. Birds which survived the higher levels of radiation gradually regained their normal egg producing capacities. The rate at which these birds recovered was directly related to exposure level.

The albumen-yolk in the two populations was distributed normally. In the first sample the heritability was 0.78, 0.13 and 0.46 based on the paternal half-sib, the maternal half-sib and the full-sib correlations, respectively. The repeatability of measurements on successive eggs from the same sib was 0.64. The second generation sample was designed to obtain more, precise genetic parameters. Heritabilities obtained were 0.34, 0.49 and 0.41 for the paternal half-sib, the maternal half-sib and the full-sib correlations, respectively. Repeatability of successive measurements from the same individual was 0.77. Highly significant differences were noted between full-sibs accounting for approximately 59% of the phenotypic varinace.

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

EFFECT OF CONTINUOUS LIGHT ON FERTILITY AND HATCHABILITY OF CHICKEN EGGS J.

K.

LAUBER, J. V.

SHUTZE AND J.

MCGINNIS

Washington State University, Pullman, Wash. Several previous studies have been concerned with productive characteristics of hens maintained on various special lighting treatments, including continuous light. This study is an analysis of fertility and hatchability of eggs laid by such hens, mated to males from the same or the control lighting treatment. SCWL birds were maintained from hatching under continuous incandescent illumination of approximately 3 foot-candles at bird height, control birds being kept under light of the same intensity for 14 hours per day. Egg production began earlier among the continuously lighted hens, but when birds were 9 months old, rate of lay was not significantly different in the two groups. Half of the hens from each group were mated to males from the opposite lighting treatment; the others were mated within lighting treatments. Hatchability was not affected by lighting treatment. Fertility was markedly depressed when 24 hour roosters were mated to either 24 or 14 hour hens. Birds used in this study showed the characteristic symptoms previously reported

to be associated with continuous light exposure: faster early rate of growth, docility, eye abnormalities, and neurological symptoms. THE INFLUENCE OF SELECTION FOR GROWTH UPON THE DNA AND RNA CONCENTRATIONS OF CHICKS AND CHICK TISSUES P.

D.

LEPORE,* P.

B.

SIEGEL AND H.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute,

S. SIEGEL

Blacksburg,

Va.

Forty chicks of the F 6 generation from each of two growth-selected lines of White Rocks were used in this experiment. The lines, a slow (LW) and a fast growing (HW), were established through mass selection for a single trait—body weight at 8 weeks of age. At hatching, 20 whole chicks in addition to heart, liver, and muscle samples from a separate group of 20 chicks from each line were processed for DNA and RNA analysis. Cell size and number data were also collected on muscle samples from chicks of each line. The HW line chicks were significantly heavier than the LW line chicks (35.3 vs. 29.S g.). Commensurate with this increased size, the HW line chicks had significantly more total RNA (143 vs. 116 mg.) and DNA (67.6 vs. 58.9 mg.) than those of the LW line. On a concentration basis, expressed as milligrams per gram of fat-free dry chick, there appeared to be a significant difference between the lines for RNA (HW-20.8 vs. LW19.7) but not for DNA (HW-9.8 vs. LW-9.9). However, when the data were expressed as milligrams per gram of fresh weight of chick, no significant differences were noted between the lines in either the DNA or the RNA concentrations. With the chick tissues, a significant difference between the lines was observed only in reference to liver RNA concentration (LW-9.40 vs. HW8.77 mg./g. of fresh liver). The mean values obtained for the other analyses were: (expressed as mg./g. of fresh tissue) liver DNA-2.60, muscle RNA-3.68, muscle DNA-1.67, heart RNA-4.45 and heart DNA-2.87. * Present address: Poultry Research Branch, AH-ARS, US DA, Beltsville, Md. HYPERTHERMIA IN THE DOMESTIC COCK1 J. G. LlNSLEY AND R. E. BURGER University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn. SCWL cocks, twenty-two weeks old, were exposed to a temperature of 45°C. under restraint

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reported on the effects of feeding the entire mustard seed to poultry. Mustard seed was separated from wheat and fed at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 20, 40, 60 and 70% levels in starter diets. As the percentage of mustard seed was increased, there was a corresponding decrease in growth rate and increase in mortality when fed to either S.C. White Leghorn or S.C. Rhode Island Red X Barred Plymouth Rock male and female chicks. Attempts to remove the toxic factor from the seed by soaking, boiling, steaming or roasting were unsuccessful. Furthermore, the seeds were toxic whether fed whole or ground. Two varieties of mustard, Brassica kaber and Hirschfeldia incana, were both toxic in starter diets. Increasing age of chickens prior to feeding mustard seed resulted in a corresponding increase in resistance to the toxic factor in the seed. However chicks fed high levels of mustard seed at an early age, did not grow at a normal rate when the seed was removed from the diet. Mustard seed fed to layers at 5, 10, and 20% had no effect on egg production, feed consumption, or egg weight.

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ABSTRACTS or PAPERS

1 Published as Paper No. 5098, Scientific Journal Series of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station. This work was supported, in part, by NSF Grant No. 17666.

FACTORS EFFECTING THE USE OF CLASSICAL METABOLIZABLE CALORIC VALUES W . C. LOCKHART, REECE L . BRYANT AND D . W . BOLIN

North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D. Data are presented that show in a general way that the level of dietary protein influences the caloric correction value for retained nitrogen. The dietary protein levels range from 13 to 33 percent and 18 to 28 percent for the chick and turkey poult, respectively. The age of the experimental animal (early growth to maturity) was found to have a significant effect upon the size of the classical metabolizable caloric value (CMC). The use of the CMC value instead of the nitrogen-corrected metabolizable caloric value subjects the calculation to an error of approximately 5 percent if young chicks are the assay animals. The use of equations for correcting for nitrogen retention, ranged from

Y = —.001 + .943X to Y = —.001 + .989X. Other data not used in the above calculations support the use of Y = .000 + .956X as the equation of choice in correcting data obtained from 2 to 3 week old chicks. METHODS OF RESTRICTING FEED OR ENERGY INTAKE OF GROWING LEGHORN PULLETS AND THEIR EFFECT ON SUBSEQUENT REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE D . G. LUCKHAM

Western Ontario Agricultural School,

Ridgetown

AND S. J . SlINGER, I. R. SlBBALD AND G. C. ASHTON

Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, Ont., Canada The following growing treatments were compared for their effects on growing and laying performance with egg-strain pullets: full-feeding, 70% of full-fed, replacement of 40% of ground grain of diet or entire diet with either ground corn cobs, or oat hulls on an equal volume basis, and skip-a-day feeding for 1 or 2 days per week. The treatments were imposed from 10 weeks until the control reached 5% production; all groups received the same diet during a 280 day laying period. All growing treatments resulted in some weight reduction as compared with the control group at the time this latter group reached 5% production; manual restriction produced the most marked weight decrease followed by dilution with corn cobs and dilution with oat hulls in that order. Skipping 2 days a week gave a weight reduction about equal to that of the groups fed diets diluted with oat hulls while skipping 1 day per week gave only a slight weight reduction. The delays in sexual maturity closely paralleled the decreases in body weight. All growing treatments resulted in some reduction in adult mortality and all but the manual restriction gave a slight increase in rate of egg production. Withholding feed for 1 day per week gave somewhat superior results as compared with the remaining treatments when all laying house criteria were considered.

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of cannulae and a thermistor probe. Blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, body temperature, and body activity were recorded continuously. Carbon dioxide tension, pH, and bicarbonate ion concentration were determined periodically from an extra-corporal blood circuit. A profound respiratory alkalosis was found to be induced by the resulting hyperthermic polypnea. During the control temperatures, moderate increases in respiratory rate but decreases in blood pressure occurred during body movement. Heart rate increased 100 to ISO beats per minute within eight seconds. During hyperthermia, respiratory rate decreased and amplitude increased during body activity. Cardio-vascular responses to body activity were similar to those during the control phase until heart rate reached a maximum. This occurred after the maximum in respiratory rate, when no further heart rate alterations by body activity were noted. Blood pressure did not show any great alterations until the maximum heart rate had been reached. Following this, diastolic pressure began to fall followed by systolic pressure. Close to terminus, pulse pressures reached very large values at low mean blood pressures. Death seemed to be due primarily to a fall in peripheral resistance.

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ABSTRACTS o r

AVAILABILITY OF CALCIUM PHYTATE, SODIUM PHYTATE AND DICALCIUM PHOSPHATE IN CHICKS, HENS, AND RATS V. T. MADDAIAH, B. J. HULETT, A. A. KURNICK AND B . L . R.EID

University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz.

A COMPARISON BETWEEN CHEMICAL' DETERMINATIONS FOR XANTHOPHYLLS AND YOLK PIGMENTATION SCORES FOR YELLOW CORN, ALFALFA, ALGAE AND LAKE WEED G. MADIEDO, E. F. RICHTER AND M. L.

SUNDE

University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Madison, Wis. Three experiments have been conducted with laying hens to compare a biological assay with a chemical determination for xanthophylls from several materials. The chemical test for total xanthophylls used was a modified procedure of Bischoff et al. (1954) to obtain the highest possible value. The eggs which resulted when these materials were fed were scored on the Heiman-Carver wheel and also

by a chemical method (A.O.A.C.) for evaluating yolk pigmentation. All materials tested were added to a white corn basal diet with .01% ethoxyquin and supplied in such a way that 10, 20, and 30 milligrams of xanthophyll were supplied per kg. of diet. Alfalfa meal (220 mg. xanthophyll/kg.) at these levels required 45, 90, and 135 gm. per kg. of diet respectively. At these levels Heiman-Carver wheel scores of 14.7, 15.3, and 16.3 were obtained. Corresponding |3 carotene equivalent values in mmg./gm. yolk were 40, 55 and 75. Values were obtained in a similar way for algae (1586 mg./ kg.), lake weed (325 mg./kg.), corn (22 mg./kg.) to maximum level possible, and a laboratory xanthophyll concentrate (2200 mg./kg.). Values for algae, alfalfa and corn agree fairly well, but lake weed did not give as much pigmentation as the chemical tests would indicate. The xanthophyll concentrate was almost devoid of activity.

EFFECT OF SLATTED FLOOR VERSUS LITTER ON EGG SIZE N. D. MAGRUDER AND J. W. NELSON

Nutrena Research Farm, Elk River, Minn. During the past two years, egg size has been recorded on two separate flocks of hybrid Leghorn layer hens housed in slatted (SF) and litter (L) floor pens, allowing floor space of 0.75 square foot and 2.0 square foot per hen, respectively. Diets were replicated on each type of floor throughout the house. The percentages for the first year were as follows for the (SF) and (L) hens, respectively: large eggs—94.8, 88.1; medium eggs—5.1, 11.6; small eggs—0.1, 0.3. There was relatively little difference in the two systems regarding Haugh units, shell thickness or shell strength. Pullets housed at 21 weeks and subjected to the same management for the past year have demonstrated a trend to have an equal distribution of large eggs, regardless of type of floor, beginning with 49 weeks of age. (SF) and (L) hens respectively, presented the following percentages at 45 weeks of age: extra large—9.9, 5.8; large (24 oz.)—46.4, 42.3; (23-24 oz.)—32.2, 40.3; medium—7.4, 8.4; small—0.1, 0.1; checks—1.4, 1.5; blind checks—1.2, 0.7; blood spots—0.4, 0.3; broken—0.3, 0.3. The (SF) hens showed an advantage over (L) hens at 45 weeks when considering percentage of eggs over 24 oz. (56.3, 48.1).

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The availability of phosphorus in sodium and calcium phytates as compared to dicalcium phosphate for chicks, hens, and rats was evaluated in five experiments using growth rate, bone ash and retention of phosphorus as measurement criteria. Experimental animals were fed a blood fibrin diet during the studies. Reduction in growth rate, bone ash, and retention values were observed when phytates were added to the diets as phosphorus sources. Retention values showed that mature hens utilized phytate phosphorus better than the chick and equally as well as young growing rats. Sodium and calcium phytate were better absorbed and utilized for growth than for bone calcification in chicks. Phosphorus utilization values for calcium phytate were in the order of 75-80% of values for sodium phytate. Calcium utilization in the hen was not influenced by including calcium phytate or sodium phytate in the diet. However, the feeding of sodium phytate, as a phosphorus source, reduced calcium retention in chicks and rats. This reduction indicates that soluble phytates interfere with calcium metabolism. The relationship between intestinal phytase activity and source and level of dietary phosphorus was studied.

PAPERS

ABSTRACTS or PAPERS TRAFFIC PATTERN OBSERVATION OF LAYERS IN A HIGH DENSITY SYSTEM N. D. MAGRUDER AND J. W. NELSON

Nutrena Research Farm, Elk River, Minn.

THE INFLUENCE OF DIETARY FAT ON THE LIPID COMPOSITION OF BROILER TISSUES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF RANCIDITY DURING STORAGE J. E. MARION AND J. G. WOODROOF

Georgia Experiment Station, Experiment, Ga. Broiler chicks were grown to 8 weeks on either a corn-soy diet or a similar diet containing the following fats: 6% corn oil; 6% beef tallow; 5% corn oil plus 1% menhaden oil; 5% beef tallow plus 1% menhaden oil. Gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) analysis of lipids from skin, abdominal adipose tissue, breast muscle and thigh muscle showed that 14-, 16-, 18and 20-carbon fatty acids were present in all tissues, while breast and thigh muscles also contained appreciable quantities of 22- and 24carbon fatty acids. Each of the tissues tended to assume the fatty acid composition of the dietary fats. GLC analysis of triglycerides and phospholipids of breast muscle showed that triglycerides contained primarily 16- and 18-carbon fatty acids while phospholipids also contained large quantities of 20-, 22- and 24-carbon fatty acids. Broiler halves from each diet were stored 4 months at —20°F. Upon removal from storage these were thawed, exposed to air, and then placed at 35°F. for 8 days in order to allow

rancidity to develop. The development of rancidity, as measured by a 2-thiobarbituric acid method, was not influenced by dietary treatment. Also, no appreciable change in fatty acid distribution during the development of rancidity could be detected by GLC. BIOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE STUDIES WITH VITAMIN A W. L. MARUSICH AND J. C. BAUERNFEIND

Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Nutley,

N.J.

Studies have been run comparing the USP vitamin A reference oil, the ANRC vitamin A reference standard, stabilized vitamin A palmitate beadlets and injectable forms of vitamin A using chickens. Short term and long term feeding trials were conducted with the vitamin A sources being administered daily orally or fed in the ration and compared to the administration of single large doses. Levels of vitamin A ranged from 1250 to 5000 I.U. per lb. of feed fed for 4 to 7 weeks; single dosages ranged from 2500 to 25,000 I.U. per bird. Performance was measured by the magnitude of build-up of vitamin A liver stores. Short term rat trials were also run to substantiate the chicken data. Levels of vitamin A from the several vitamin A sources were administered as single doses or fed in the ration over a range of 500 to 50,000 I.U. per animal. Relative increase in vitamin A liver stores was again used as the criterion of performance. The results with rats confirmed the performances seen in poultry. The short term trials agreed with the longer term studies. A single dose of vitamin A administered orally or parenterally performed equally as well as sustained in diet feeding. TESTICULAR DEVELOPMENT IN COTURNIX FROM HATCHING TO MATURITY F. B. MATHER AND W. O. WILSON

University of California, Davis, Calif. The rate of growth and development of the testes in the quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) was studied from one day of age to maturity. Males were sacrificed and testes samples were collected for histological study. The quail were given 16 hours of incandescent light per 24 hours. The average intensity of light was 30 foot candles at bird level. There was a steady growth of the testes soon

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Hybrid Leghorn layers (520 per pen) were housed at 0.75 square foot per hen and marked samples were observed for a 14-day period (1 hour per day) as to their traffic pattern to and from feed and water, nesting habits and resting time. Hens were marked in pairs from five sections of the pen, allowed to become quiet, and observed at the same time each day. Hens were noted where they were first observed, some traveled everywhere in the pen, while others were more complacent and remained in one or two areas. All hens observed did not use the same nest from day to day. They rested 55%, ate 2 1 % , drank 7% and were in the nest 17% of the total time. All hens were in the southeast area of the pen 30% of the total time; southwest, 16%; northwest, 1 3 % ; northeast, 16%; center, 2 % ; south center, 13% and north center, 10% of the total time.

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

after hatch. This is contrary to what has been reported for chickens where the initial period of testes growth is relatively slow. The rate of testes growth in the quail was much more rapid than body growth. At one day of age the testes weight comprised only 0.011 percent of the body weight, whereas at 33 days of age the corresponding percentage was 0.732. Spermatozoa were observed in the testes tissues as early as 26 days of age. Plumage dimorphism was associated with the early maturity of the quail. Therefore, the sex could be determined at about two weeks of age.

M. R. MCCLUNG

University of Rhode Island, Kingston,

R.I.

A Rhode Island Red line was derived from four strains of Rhode Island Reds. The synthetic line has been maintained for four generations as an 18-sire line. The only deliberate selection practiced has been for low meat spot incidence obtained from a 4-day break-out when the females were eight months old. Sires were selected on the basis of sibs score at the same time. The percent clean eggs produced to 500 days of age for the first four generations were as follows: 1st., 39; 2nd., 47; 3rd., 68; and 4th., 74. Production, Haugh units and albumen height showed no correlated response. Egg shell thickness (inches X 1000) for the four generations was as follows: 1st, 13.94; 2nd., 12.95; 3rd., 12.90 and 4th., 12.68. Forty-two sires, 316 dams, 1,077 daughters and 11,481 eggs obtained over a two-year period were used to estimate genetic parameters. Percent clean eggs laid by individuals obtained from 16-days break-out each year, four days in each of four periods between the 240th and 500th day of age were transformed to angles for analysis. Genetic correlations based on sire and dam components were as follows: meat spot with shell thickness —.43; egg weight —.04; albumen height —.16; Haugh units —.19 and production .01. Heritabilities of meat spot incidence were .14 derived from sire component and .23 derived from the dam component.

B. E. MCDONALD, H. R. BIRD AND J. J. LALICH

University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis. In two experiments aortas from 344 Broad White turkeys fed practical diets were examined for degenerative aortic changes. In the spring of 1961, 60 one-day-old poults purchased from a commercial hatchery were randomly distributed into 3 equal groups. Two birds died with massive abdominal hemorrhage during the experiment. Four birds from each group were sacrificed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks and the remainder at 16 weeks. The aortas were removed and all suspicious areas were examined microscopically. Two plaques were invariably seen near the superior mesenteric artery ostium. In these plaques vacuolar degeneration, calcification or hyalinization of the intima and media occurred in 13 of 51 aortas. One survivor had bleeding into the media of the abdominal aorta. In an experiment conducted in the spring of 1962 progeny from 34 turkey hens (reared from poults purchased in the same lot as those of Experiment 1) were raised to 16 weeks of age. Three birds died with massive abdominal hemorrhages during the growing period. Of the 291 survivors, 44 showed microscopic changes similar to those noted in Experiment 1. Twenty-two birds showed aneurysmal dilatation, invariably at the same level of the abdominal aorta as the two plaques. The dilatation peculiarly occurred without any conspicuous accompanying microscopic alterations in 6 of the 22 birds. EFFECT OF COPPER AND IRON DEFICIENCY ON BROILER CHICKS F. C. M C G H E E , C. R. CREGER AND J. R. COUCH

The A. & M. College of Texas, College Station, Tex. Effects of copper and iron deficiencies on blood formation of hemoglobin in broiler chicks were studied. Chicks were housed in raised wire floor brooders, which were sprayed several times with acrylic plastic to prevent iron and copper contamination. The chicks were placed on copper and iron deficient synthetic diets. Hemoglobin, hematocrit and red blood cell counts were taken at the end of three weeks and at the end of six

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SELECTION FOR LOW MEAT SPOT INCIDENCE

THE INCIDENCE, LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF AORTIC DEGENERATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH DISSECTING ANEURYSMS IN TURKEYS

ABSTRACTS o r

THE EFFECT OF DIMETRIDAZOLE ON GROWTH AND THE PREVENTION OF HISTOMONOSIS IN POULTRY W. C. MCGUIRE, M . W . MOELLER AND N. F. MOREHOUSE

Dr. Salsbury's Laboratories, Charles City,

Iowa

Dimetridazole (1, 2 dimethyl-5-nitroimidazole) was fed to chickens and turkeys to determine the effect upon growth, feed efficiency, and prevention of histomonosis. Graded levels of 0.0002S to 0.2% dimetridazole were fed in these trials. Testing was conducted both in the presence and absence of induced histomonosis. Turkey growth tests of 3, 8, 16, and 24 weeks in length and in chicken growth tests of 4 and 8 weeks in length were conducted. Maximum improvements in the rate of growth and efficiency of feed utilization were shown between 0.01 and 0.1% in the turkey tests and between 0.012S and 0.05% in the chicken tests. Turkey efficacy tests of 4, 16, and 24 weeks in length and chicken efficacy tests of 3 weeks in length were conducted. Maximum blackhead preventive efficacy was shown between 0.01 and 0.1% in both turkey and chicken trials. VISCERAL LYMPHOMATOSIS OF TURKEY G. S. M C K E E

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. A review of literature reveals that Andrews and Glover in 1939 described neurolymphomatosis in a male turkey and was confirmed histopathologically. This was reported in Veterinary Record, 5 1 : 934-935. Franklin Young of Gainesville, Florida, in

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1956 reported visceral lymphomatosis in a flock of 920 turkeys with a mortality of 60 birds. These cases were confirmed histopathologically and his description fits all the present criteria for visceral lymphomatosis. Belding and Sanger of the Ohio Experimental Station, Wooster, Ohio, in 1959 propagated natural occurring turkey lymphoid tumor by cellular inoculant and resulting tumors closely resembled visceral lymphomatosis. Some of these tumor tissue cells on the 3rd, 4th and 5th passage produce leucytic-like lesions in chickens. In 1960, 9,014 head of turkeys were condemned for leukosis by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Poultry Division, Inspection Branch. This consisted of 1.15% of all turkeys condemned during this period. In 1961, 9,505 birds were condemned, or 1.17% of all turkeys condemned. Twenty-three of these carcasses were examined and processed in the Beltsville Pathology Section Laboratory of the Poultry Division, A.M.S. Histologically the diagnosis was confirmed. Six hundred eighty-three of these carcasses were examined in the field by personnel from the Beltsville Laboratory and the general criteria was established for leukosis as seen in turkeys. The two types of leukosis which were commonly observed were visceral lymphomatosis and osteopetrosis, although all types of leukosis occur. HEAT DISSIPATION STUDIES OF ARIZONA AND BELTSVILLE BRED STRAINS OF SINGLE COMB WHITE LEGHORNS E. H. MCNALLY AND H. OTA

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Md. In three calorimetric tests at 65, 85 and 95°F., the 300-380 old second generation strain of heat resistant Arizona Single Comb White Leghorns were checked for heat dissipation characteristics. These birds were developed at the Southwest Poultry Experiment Station (USDA), Glendale, Arizona. Comparison between the Arizona and previously tested Beltsville strains of SCWL showed that the younger Beltsville hens (higher heat production would be expected with younger birds) emitted slightly more sensible and latent heat at 65 and 85°F. during the lighted period of 14 hours. At 95°F. the Arizona birds emitted 53 percent more sensible and 38 percent more latent heat than Beltsville strain.

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weeks. It was found that the addition of copper sulfate at the level of S parts per million to basal diet containing no copper or iron increased the average percent hemoglobin by 1 percent, the average percent hematocrit by 4.19 percent and the red blood cell count by 4.76 X 105/mm8. The addition of iron in the form of ferrous sulfate to the basal diet at the level of 40 parts per million without copper present in the diet increased the percent hemoglobin by 2.82 percent, the percent hematocrit by 13.47 percent and the red blood cell count by 1.01 X 10 6 /mm 3 over that of chicks on basal diet. It is concluded that in chicks, iron plays a much more dominant role than copper, both in red blood cell formation and in hemoglobin formation.

PAPERS

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

THE EFFECTS OF PHYTIC ACID AND EDTA ON THE CHICK'S REQUIREMENT FOR MAGNESIUM

the modern literature. It is the author's contention that too many investigators either have been unaware of, or have chosen to ignore, the wellestablished dependency of weight-specific metabolic rate (i.e., the intensity of metabolism as measured by oxygen consumption or heat production per unit of body weight) on body size. This negligence has led to numerous errors, discrepancies, ambiguities, and misinterpretations in the literature. Remedial suggestions, based on 12 years of personal study and research, are made in the hope that those studying metabolic rates in poultry will treat their data in such a way that confounding of treatment (or strain, sex, etc.) effects with body size effects will be minimized.

G. WAYNE MCWARD AND A. R. IMONDI

USE OF POULTRY IN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

University of Maine, Orono, Maine

4. A POULTRY RESULT DEMONSTRATION

A basal diet of the glucose-isolated soybean type was used to determine the effects of phytic acid and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the chick's requirement for magnesium. The diet was fed to triplicate groups of 10 males each for 21 days. The addition of phytic acid to the isolated soybean protein marked reduced chick growth and increased mortality. EDTA was unable to reverse the effect of phytic acid or increase the availability of magnesium from isolated soybean protein. Five levels of supplemental magnesium ranging from 70 to 190 p.p.m. were fed at 0, 2 and 4 % phytic acid. The chick's requirement for magnesium, expressed as supplemental level required, increased from 100, 130 and 160 p.p.m. for 0, 2 and 4% phytic acid, respectively. Two levels of supplemental phosphorus, 0.166 and 0.332%, equivalent to the available phosphorus contributed by 2 and 4% phytic acid were fed at six levels of supplemental magnesium. Chick growth maximized at 160 and 190 p.p.m. of magnesium for 0.166 and 0.332% phosphorus, respectively. This suggests that the phytic acid effect cannot be completely explained by its phosphorus contribution. BODY SIZE AND METABOLIC RATE IN THE DOMESTIC FOWL W. J. MELLEN

University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Mass. This paper is a comprehensive, critical review of the subject indicated by the title, with special emphasis on a critique of problems apparent in

D. B. MELLOR

Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind. From 1957 to 1962, as part of the overall poultry development program, a Poultry Result Demonstration was evolved for the rural people of Brazil. The main objectives of the demonstrations were: 1. To demonstrate an economic poultry unit that could be used on any farm; 2. To demonstrate the importance of management and husbandry in profitable poultry production; 3. To obtain accurate data on production factors and costs and to demonstrate their importance to profitable poultry production; 4. To serve as a teaching tool in poultry for county agents and other agricultural workers. The demonstration was a permanently operating one, usually on the farm of the local agricultural department or experiment station. The complete demonstration consisted of the physical facilities necessary for 300 laying hens or 1000 broilers. It was operated by local personnel under the overall supervision of the central poultry office. Periodic meetings were held at the demonstrations (for brooding, marketing broilers, selecting pullets and culling hens) and instructions and literature were distributed on all phases of poultry production. When properly operated, a demonstration such as this can become a valuable part of the total poultry development program. This project should never be considered as the total program, it should always be a project within a program.

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The dark period (night) data showed that between 65 and 95°F., the Arizona hens eliminated an average of about 1 B.t.u./hr./lb. live weight more sensible heat than the Beltsville strain. At 65 and 8S°F. the Beltsville hens emitted about 1 B.t.u. more latent heat, but at 95°F. the Arizona birds eliminated 1.2 B.t.u. more latent heat than Beltsville, or was SO percent higher. Because of relatively high latent and sensible heat elimination of Arizona strain SCWL at 95°F., these birds may be aptly called "heat resistant" strain. Birds having this type of heat losing characteristic are very desirable in hot climates.

ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

USE OF POULTRY IN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS S. A POULTRY UNIT FOR FAMILY USE D. B. MELLOR

Purdue University, Lafayette,

Ind.

EFFECT OF AN ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID DEFICIENT DIET ON THE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF CHICKENS H.

MENGE, E.

U.S. Department

C. MILLER AND C. A.

DENTON

of Agriculture, Beltsville,

Md.

Two groups of Leghorn female chicks were raised from hatching as follows: One group was fed a semipurified diet (EFA-deficient) containing hydrogenated coconut oil; the other group was given a practical-type diet (Control). The EFA-deficient pullets averaged 1,291 gms.; the Control pullets averaged 1,618 gms. at 20 weeks. After 32 weeks of EFA-depletion, GLC analysis of plasma from EFA-deficient pullets showed only trace amounts of linoleic and arachidonic

acids. The EFA-deficient and Control pullets averaged 25.6 and 73.9 percent egg production, with egg weights averaging 40.6 and 55.2 gms., respectively. After 35 weeks depletion, the EFAdeficient pullets produced eggs with a low rate of fertility (68.1 percent) and practically total embryonic mortality. Plasma and heart fat of EFAdeficient embryos contained 13.8 and 26.1 percent C-20 triene, respectively. No C-20 triene was observed in the tissues of Control chicks. After 45 weeks of depletion, the administration of a linoleic acid concentrate or safflower oil, each calculated to supply 1 gram linoleic acid per bird per day, resulted in increased egg production, egg size, fertility, and hatchability. FRACTIONATION OF AVIAN DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID 1 C. A. MEPHAM AND C. M. WINGET

Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, Ont., Canada Kay's procedure for DNA isolation (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 74:1724, 1952) was used in these studies. "Pure" DNA from various tissue sources was placed on chromatographic columns for separation. A discontinuous elution technique was used for fractionation, modified after that of Bendich (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 80:3949, 1958). The chromatographic columns (5.1 X 0.8 cm.) were made of a slurry of 0.5 g. Ecteola and 20.0 ml. of 0.01 M phosphate, pH 7.0. They were used to fractionate 3.2 mg. of DNA at 3°C. Six columns were operated simultaneously on a commercially available fraction collector (Rinco). After washing with phosphate buffer, the following eluents of sodium chloride were used successively: 0.05 M, 0.1 M, 0.2 M, 0.3 M, 0.4 M, 0.5 M, 0.6 M, 0.7 M, 0.8 M, 0.9 M, 1.0 M, 2.0 M. The tissue sources employed were those of avian red blood cells, spleen and testes, taken from birds of known genetic background. The data indicate differences in the DNA profiles between tissues but a high degree of repeatability for profiles of DNA from the same tissue source. These profiles are also different from those obtained for calf thymus. Since a single animal cell may contain as many as 300,000 DNA molecular types, it is reasonable to assume that some of these are characteristic for the various tissues. 1 This work was partially supported by the National Research Council of Canada (A-1038).

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Several demonstrations have recently shown that an adaption of a portable outdoor brooder, recommended in the 1930's in the United States, served successfully in Brazil as a brooder, broiler or laying house for small family flocks. The two main advantages of such a unit are (1) its low cost and (2) its incorporation of the basic principles of poultry management. This unit was originally developed for possible use in projects by 4-S (4-H) youths in Brazil. It has proven so popular, however, that it is now used for backyard flocks in the city, for small flocks of the rural farmer and for occupational therapy at a TB sanatorium. It is a simple unit with low construction and operating costs that could be considered for use in poultry development programs. Essentially the unit is a 3 X 3 brooder compartment heated by an underfloor oil lamp, connected to a 10 X 10 range shelter with a litter floor. The unit was developed to use the basic principles of poultry husbandry but still be adaptable enough for most situations of warm countries. The better units in Brazil have been constructed of bamboo with a grass (sape) roof. Other materials, as cut lumber, plywood, scrap lumber and tile for roofs, have been used with varying success. This unit is not "the answer" to poultry development problems, but it can be a useful tool in programs of community and agricultural development.

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

MOISTURE, FAT, CHOLESTEROL AND IODINE VALUES OF BROILER TISSUES AS INFLUENCED BY DIETARY FATS W. C. MlCKELBERRY, J . C. ROGLER AND W . J . STADELMAN

Purdue University, Lafayette,

Ind.

NUTRITIONAL STUDIES WITH CHELATED MINERALS J. E. MILES AND A. B. WATTS

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La. A study has been conducted to determine the effects of adding certain levels of copper, manganese and zinc with a chelating agent and in chelated form to a practical broiler ration. The chelating agent was ethylenediamine di(o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid), (EDDHA). The 20 p.p.m. addition of the mineral elements and 400 grams of EDDHA tended to promote the most rapid growth. The 1200 gram addition of EDDHA depressed growth at all levels of the added minerals. The four weeks gains in the presence of 803 grams of the EDDHA seemed to depend on the level of added mineral. Mineral retention studies indicate that iron is conserved very well compared to copper, manganese and zinc. When mineral retention is considered across all treatments, the addition of manganese and EDDHA resulted in the highest retentions of the various mineral elements.

CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR TURKEYS WITH VARIOUS GRADE DESIGNATION AND PRICES W. C. MILLS, J R . , J. A. DAVIDSON, H. E. LARZELERE AND L. E. DAWSON

Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich. Under the sponsorship of the National Turkey Federation and the Departments of Poultry Science and Agricultural Economics, Michigan State University, a study was conducted on consumer preferences for turkeys using various word grade designations and a combination of prices. Price differentials were used to test how much influence price would have on preferences (as determined by actual sales tests) for word grades. Sales tests were conducted in supermarkets in North Carolina and Michigan. These tests were conducted using the words, "Prime", "Choice", to correspond with U.S.D.A. Grade A, and "Good", to correspond with U.S.D.A. B quality. In some instances shipping tags, with the grade designation and store label stamped onto the tag, were wired onto the posterior end of the package. In one market the U.S.D.A. Grade A shield was covered with a pressure sensitive plain white label on which the grade designation was printed. Price differentials of 2^, 4^ and 6$ per pound were used. These prices were in addition to the current retail market price of turkeys. Results show that from 30-45% of sales were turkeys labeled with word grades at a higher than current retail prices. The data suggest methods of grading that are more meaningful to the consumer and more profitable to the producer. COOKED MEAT YIELDS FROM ROASTERS AND LIGHT AND HEAVY FOWL L. J. MINOR, A. M. PEARSON AND L. E. DAWSON

Michigan State University, East Lansing,

Mich.

Thirty-five birds from flocks of Leghorn fowl, a broiler strain of heavy fowl and the same strain of roasters (males) were processed for this study. After evisceration, the birds were cut up and

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Breast, thigh, skin, abdominal fat and liver samples were collected from 64 broiler carcasses reared on four diets furnishing either a low quantity of fat or 10% of corn oil, lard, or hydrogenated coconut oil. Cooked and uncooked samples were analyzed for moisture, ether extract, cholesterol and iodine values. The several diets produced significant differences in all four of the variables examined. Cooking resulted in significantly lower moisture values, higher wet tissue total cholesterol values, but had no effect upon the fat or iodine values. Marked differences in the physical characteristics of the carcass fat and ether extracts were observed. These observed differences were borne out by the iodine values—the overall effect being to shift the body iodine value towards that of the diet fat. Uncooked liver iodine values ranged between 91.3 and 110.4, while the non-organ tissues varied from 44.0 to 115.6. The average cholesterol content, mg./lOO gm. wet tissue, for the several tissues were: breast S6.2; thigh, 89.4; skin, 111.4; abdominal fat, 60.8; and liver, 370.5.

The ration containing 40 p.p.m. of added copper, manganese and zinc along with 803 grams of EDDHA per ton consistently improved pigmentation. The mechanism of this increase is not established but it is suggested that the chelating agent is functioning in the intestinal tract of the chicken. The data strongly suggest interactions among the various mineral elements with and without the presence of the chelating agent.

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

AN ANALYSIS OF STRAIN RESPONSE TO DIETARY PROTEIN LEVEL R. E. MOKENG, H. L. ENOS AND W. A. WHITTET

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo. The response to three different levels of dietary protein of four commercial strains of chickens bred for egg production was measured over a period of 280 days. The birds were reared together in a common environment of floor type pens to 20 weeks of age. At this age each pullet within a strain was selected at random and placed in an individual cage according to a basic pattern of cage position in order to minimize possible location effects within the house. Statistical evaluation of the data was carried out using the analysis of variance technique and a multiple range test. Interaction of strain and diet on egg production was found to exist for the 280-day production period. Highly significant differences existed in Haugh unit value within the same season, strain and protein level of the ration. Differences were also observed between other egg characters measured, such as shell thickness and egg size, which indicated variation in strain response with regard to inherent ability to utilize the diets investigated.

EFFECT OF METHOD OF COOKERY ON SHRINKAGE, MOISTURE AND ETHER EXTRACTABLE CONTENT OF BROILER LEGS AND THIGHS G. C. MOSTERT AND W . J . STADELMAN

Purdue University, Lafayette,

Ind.

Legs and thighs of broilers were separated and prepared for cooking in four forms: non-breaded, non-frozen; breaded, non-frozen; non-breaded, frozen; and breaded, frozen. Six legs and six thighs from each of the four forms were cooked by each of five methods of heat application. The heat was supplied by a deep fat fryer with zero, nine or 20 psi pressure; by pan frying with a minimum of added fat; and by oven-frying with no added fat for sufficient time at a temperature adequate to achieve "cooked" meat. The weight change during cooking was determined. Each of the cooked and uncooked parts was then deboned and ground three times through a grinder. Samples were analyzed for moisture and ether extractables. Shrinkage values varied from 11.6% to 47.9%. Generally, shrinkage was greater on thighs than legs, on non-breaded than breaded parts, and frozen than non-frozen parts. Pressurized deep fat frying resulted in minimum shrinkages. Moisture content of the cooked meat was higher for pressure fat fried or oven fried than for deep fat fried or pan fried chicken. The ether extract content of pan fried chicken was higher than deep fat fried chicken with the pressure fat frying giving values only slightly higher than those found in raw chicken.

MALFORMATIONS INDUCED BY THALIDOMIDE IN THE DEVELOPING CHICK EMBRYO EDWARD C. NABER AND E. J. LARGENT

Ohio State University, Columbus 10, Ohio Experiments were undertaken to determine the effect of thalidomide on embryonic development because this drug has been implicated in the malformation of human embryos. Fertile eggs were injected with 1 to 10 mgs. of thalidomide after 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours of incubation. When injected as a glycerol suspension, thalidomide produced a highly significant increase in rumplessness, abdominal hernia and hydrocephalus. No increase in limb abnormalities due to thalidomide was noted. The drug failed to increase embryonic

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individually packed and sealed in 404 X 700 tin plate C-enamelled cans, cooked at 220°F. for 4 hours and water cooled. Meat, bone, skin, liquid and fat were measured for each bird. Roasters yielded highest percentage of cooked lean meat (36.6 percent), light hens next, and heavy hens the lowest percentage. Yield of total edible product (lean, fat and skin) was also highest for roasters (52.7 percent) followed by heavy hens and light hens. Light hens had highest percentage of bone, whereas heavy hens yielded the highest percentage of total liquid. Light hens yielded the highest percentage of cooked breast meat (calculated from dressed weight), whereas the roasters had the highest percentage of cooked meat from legs. The percentage of breast meat from heavy hens was higher than that from roasters but lower than that from light hens.

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AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENTATION OF LOW PROTEIN LAYING RATIONS EDWARD C. NABER AND SHERMAN P. TOUCHBURN

Ohio Agricultural Experiment Columbus 10, Ohio

Station,

Three methods for supplementing a low protein laying ration with amino acids were used in an attempt to improve egg production. When the 12 percent (low protein) ration was supplemented to provide NRC requirements, a response was obtained from lysine but not methionine. Comparisons of the amino acid patterns of the 12 percent ration with the 16 percent protein control ration indicated negative deviations in the amino acid pattern of the 12 percent ration for lysine and arginine. When these amino acids were used to supplement the 12 percent ration, only lysine produced an increase in egg production. A combination of lysine and arginine depressed egg production, when compared to performance on the ration supplemented only with lysine. Thus, performance of the low protein ration was not greatly improved when either NRC requirement data or deviations in the amino acid pattern of the low protein ration when compared to the control ration were used as the basis for supplementation. When the amino acid pattern of whole egg protein was used as the basis for supplementing the low protein ration responses were obtained from lysine, threonine, tryptophan and valine when used in combinations that made performance on the low protein ration almost comparable to that on the control ration*5,

T H E INFLUENCE OF CALCIUM ON PHOSPHORUS UTILIZATION BY CHICKS T. S. NELSON, W. A. HARGUS AND NANCY STORER

International Minerals and Chemical Corporation, Skokie, III. The influence of calcium on phosphorus utilization by S. C. White Leghorn cockerels was studied. Orthophosphoric acid, monobasic sodium orthophosphate, dibasic sodium orthophosphate, tribasic sodium orthophosphate, monobasic calcium orthophosphate, anhydrous dibasic calcium orthophosphate, dibasic calcium orthophosphate dihydrate, and hydroxyapatite were tested at 2:1 and 4:1 calcium-phosphorus ratios in a blood fibrin-corn starch type diet. Percentage bone ash was the criterion of phosphorus utilization. At the higher calcium level, the percentage bone ash of chicks fed anhydrous dibasic calcium orthophosphate was reduced while that of the others was unaffected. Both body weight gains and feed consumption were reduced, however, the magnitude of the reduced gains was proportional to the reduced feed intake. The reduced feed intake was attributed to lowered palatability of the higher calcium diets. The results show that, within the limits described, calcium did not affect the utilization of the phosphates tested, with the exception of anhydrous dibasic calcium orthophosphate, but that it did influence feed intake. CHANGES IN GROWTH RESPONSE OF CHICKS TO ANTIBIOTICS F. E. NELSON, L. S. JENSEN AND J.

MCGINNIS

Washington State University, Pullman, Wash. During a three year period, twenty-nine experiments were conducted in the same laboratory with chicks to determine the growth response to feeding penicillin, bacitracin, erythromycin or tylosin. The results showed a consistently greater growth response with an antibiotic when it was first used, or when used only occasionally. When bacitracin was fed routinely, the growth response to this antibiotic decreased gradually over an 18-month period. Penicillin, which had previously showed little or no growth effect, gave only a small response throughout the period. Tylosin stimulated growth when first used, but the response diminished subsequently. Erythromycin stimulated growth when used only occasionally, but the response decreased when it was used routinely. A series of experiments was conducted with

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malformations when administered in alkaline solution. Because thalidomide has been implicated as an antimetabolite of niacin for protozoa (Science, 139:110, 1963), experiments were performed to compare the effect of thalidomide to that produced by 3-acetyl pyridine and pyridine-3-sulfonic acid. While pyridine-3-sulfonic acid did not produce an increase in embryonic malformations, both thalidomide and 3-acetyl pyridine increased malformation associated with niacin antagonism. Insulin is known to produce rumplessness in the chick embryo. When this hormone was injected with and without thalidomide, a potentiation of the thalidomide toxicity was noted. The incidence of thalidomide induced malformations was greater when the drug was administered to eggs after 24 to 48 hours of incubation.

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ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS chicks to study the effect of continuous feeding of an antibiotic in an isolated building. Zinc bacitracin produced the greatest growth stimulation in the first experiment and was fed for 10 consecutive 4-week experiments. Zinc bacitracin stimulated growth an average of 4.5% and improved feed efficiency 2.5%, but growth was reduced to 1.7% for the tenth experiment. In the eleventh experiment, oleandomycin, penicillin, zinc bacitracin, terramycin and erythromycin produced 0.5, 4.0, 3.1, 4.9 and 6.2% growth response, respectively.

K. E. NESTOR AND R. G. JAAP

Ohio Agricultural Experiment Columbus 10, Ohio

Station,

A slight difference in environment (i.e., hatching in two groups three weeks apart) produced statistically significant differences in weights of glands and tissues at hatching and at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age. The glands and tissues weighed included the adrenals, bursa of Fabricius, comb, gonads, pancreas, spleen and thyroids. Any effect of differences in body weight on gland and tissue weights at hatching and during the growing period was removed by covariance analysis. Therefore, the differences of glands and tissue weights could not be attributed to body weight of the chickens in the two groups. The samples at each age were large and proportional samples from the same parents in order to avoid differences in average genetic effects between samples within ages. Statistically significant differences attributable to the hatch grouping were most frequent in weights of the adrenals, bursa of Fabricius, pancreas and spleen. Testes were the only gland weights unaffected by the date of hatching of the chick. EFFECT OF DIETARY RESTRICTION ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN GROWING CHICKENS E. L. NICHOLS AND S. L. BALLOUN

Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa Male heavy-breed chickens were fed either ad libitum, or for two one-hour periods daily. After an adjustment period, birds receiving feed for a limited time each day grew at as rapid a rate as the birds eating ad libitum. Limiting the feeding time did not consistently affect either serum

ESTIMATION OF SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE OF GROWING COCKERELS E. L. NICHOLS, D. K. HOTCHKISS AND S. L. BALLOUN

Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa Systolic blood pressures were taken by an indirect method on 31 male heavy-breed birds at 8, 10, 12 and 14 weeks of age. The birds were maintained in growing batteries on a basal cornsoy ration, available ad libitum. When age was used as the predictor of blood pressure, the regression equation was found to be: predicted systolic blood pressure = 110 + (2.02 X age in weeks). If body weight was the predictor the equation was: predicted systolic blood pressure = 117 + (8.64 X body weight in kilograms). The correlation coefficient between age and body weight was found to be 0.9732, suggesting that either age or body weight should be a good predictor of blood pressure. When both age and body weight were used in the regression equation, the predicted systolic blood pressure = 106 + (4.01 X age in weeks) — (9.56 X body weight in kilograms) . The study indicates that cockerels between the ages of 8-14 weeks will show an increase in blood pressure of 2.02 mm. Hg per week of added age, or that an increase of one kilogram in body weight is associated with an 8.64 mm. Hg rise in blood pressure.

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EXTREME ENVIRONMENTAL VARIATION IN TISSUE WEIGHTS OF YOUNG CHICKS

cholesterol concentrations or systolic blood pressures. In a second experiment, cockerels were subjected to various types of nutrient restrictions. Ad libitum and restricted-protein rations (70% of protein and iso-caloric to the ad libitum) gave the best weight gains, followed by the restrictedenergy (70% of energy and iso-proteinaceous to the ad libitum), 70% ad libitum, and high cellulose rations (30% cellulose). Feed conversion was best in the 70% of ad libitum treatment group. Nutrient restriction generally was not protective against hypertension. Serum cholesterol concentrations tended to be higher at 16 weeks of age for the more severely-restricted groups. Blood pressure differences apparently were just starting to develop at the termination of the experiment. In only one case—restricted energy, without restriction of protein—did any type of nutrient restriction cause a tendency toward lowered blood pressure.

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

TEACHING ADVANCED POULTRY MANAGEMENT RICHARD K. NOLES

University of Georgia, Athens, Ga.

HYDROGEN ION CONCENTRATION OF THE OVIDUCT OF THE LAYING HEN F. X. OGASAWARA, H. P. VAN KREY AND F . W. LORENZ

University of California, Davis, Calif. Determinations of pH were made in oviducts of 24 anesthetized, laparotomized laying Leghorn hens, using a Beckman electrode-probe assembly. The highest pH values (geometric means) recorded were at the ends of the oviduct: anterior infundibulum (7.72) and vaginal margin of the uterovaginal junction (7.84). The lowest values were found in the posterior magnum (pH 7.26) and anterior isthmus (pH 7.22). When the same oviducts were excised and held at room temperature, the values declined almost 0.7 units within 30-45 minutes and tended to become uniform along the length of the oviduct. EFFECT OF INJECTING EGGS WITH TOCOPHEROL, TOCOPHEROL-LIKE SUBSTANCES, AND SAFFLOWER OIL ON HATCHABILITY AND INCIDENCE OF ENCEPHALOMALACIA GEORGE OLSON

University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn. Experiments were conducted to determine the effect upon hatchability and chick encephalomalacia of injecting a-tocopherol, stripped safflower oil, ubiquinone SO, and ubichromenol 20 into fertile chicken eggs.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR IN SELECTED STRAINS OF CHICKENS L. L. ORTMAN AND J. V. CRAIG

Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan. Selection of males for ability to win initial pair contests at 5-9 months of age has produced distinctly different high and low strains within the WL and RIR breeds. The present experiment was designed to determine the relative aggressiveness of high and low strain males and females vs. unselected controls of the same breed from 6-28 weeks of age. Twelve strain-sex-breed subgroups were penned separately. Comb size, body weight and aggressive behavior in pair contests were measured and observed at two-week intervals. Ability to win initial pair contests was determined by placing pairs of selected and unselected strains, birds of the same sex and breed together in a neutral cage. Each subgroup was observed in 24 pair contests every two weeks. Relative aggressiveness, i.e. ability to win pair contests, body weight and comb size differed between selected strains within breeds. Sex and age differences were also significant. Age by strain within breed interactions were significant for comb size and body weight. There was no indication from these data of any change in relative aggressiveness between high and low strains from 6 through 28 weeks of age.

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This presentation will include a discussion of some of the techniques used in teaching advanced poultry management to the student majoring in poultry science and business at the University of Georgia. The core of this material is made up of those principles found to be useful in evaluating the more common decision-making problems on poultry farms. These principles have been adapted to specific poultry problems. This discussion will include an explanation of the techniques employed in evaluating the use of an input, such as feed. where profits are to be maximized. Techniques for presenting materials on housing, equipment and business structure will be considered.

Artificially inseminated, wire-caged hens were fed a semi-purified white corn meal-vitamin E-low diet (J. Nutrition, 71: 115, 1960) with 4% safflower as a stress factor, and with and without vitamin E supplement. Hatched chicks were fed an encephalomalacia-producing diet containing 8% stripped safflower oil. Hatchability of eggs from hens fed a vitamin E deficient diet declined, approaching zero by the end of 8 weeks. Injecting 0.1 ml. of safflower oil into vitamin E deficient eggs accelerated decline in hatchability. Encephalomalacia developed in approximately 8 days after hatching, whether or not eggs were injected with safflower oil. Injecting 1.0 mg. of a-tocopherol maintained the hatchability at approximately 50%, and extended the time for development of encephalomalacia. Ubichromenol 20 equaled a-tocopherol. Results with ubiquinone 50 were negative. Average hatchability of the positive control eggs was 88%. Injecting these eggs with 0.1 ml. safflower oil decreased hatchability to 56%.

1297

ABSTRACTS or PAPERS EFFECT OF MYCOPLASMA GALLISEPTICUM INFECTION OF THE EIGHTEEN-DAY-OLD EMBRYONATING CHICKEN EGG E. E. OSE AND R. N. BERKMAN

Eli Lilly and Company, Greenfield, Ind.

THE COURSE AND SPREAD OF AVIAN ENCEPHALOMYELITIS IN A MULTIPLE-UNIT POULTRY FARM

W. J. OWINGS University of Nebraska, Lincoln 3, Neb. An all vegetable basal diet supplemented with 0.0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 percent lysine was fed to duplicate pens of Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys. The increased lysine levels had no influence on the number of eggs laid or on changes in body weight. There was a significant improvement in the fertility of eggs with increased dietary lysine. Hatchability was also significantly improved during the last half of the laying season by dietary lysine additions. Because of the favorable response on fertility on hatchability obtained from the high lysine levels in the first experiment, levels of 0.0, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 percent added lysine were used in another experiment. In this experiment, egg production was highest on the 0.4 percent added lysine level, but was depressed by the two highest lysine levels. Egg size and body weight was not influenced by the dietary additions. There was essentially no difference in the percent fertile eggs, however, the two highest levels tended to depress fertility. Hatchability was improved by all added lysine levels. The dietary lysine level of the hen did not influence the body weight gain of the poult from 0-3 weeks of age except on the two highest levels, which depressed poult gain.

L. E. OUSTERHOUT, H. W. BRUINS AND E. E. STUART

The Quaker Oats Company, Barrington, III. A precipitous drop in egg production was observed in a number of research laying houses. There was no apparent environmental or nutritional cause. No gross symptoms of any illness were observed and feed consumption appeared normal. The infection spread to all pens of five different houses over a period of three weeks. Maximum depression in rate of lay for Leghorns (Kimber) was 64% (from 9 1 % rate of lay to 33%) for a pen of 60 hens, and 46% (from 86% rate of lay to 46%) for a house of 600. Recovery of normal production occurred in about 14 days. One house of White Rock (Cobb) breeders in their seventh month of production decreased from 48% to 27% production. Hatchability was not greatly affected. Histological examination of chicks hatched from eggs laid during this period confirmed a diagnosis of avian encephalomyelitis. These observations are similar to those of Taylor et al. (Poultry Sci. 34:1036, 1955).

ON-THE-FARM STUDIES OF AVIAN NEPHROSIS (GUMBORO DISEASE) IN BROILERS RAYMOND T. PARKHURST

United States Department of Agriculture, State College, Miss. There are numerous farms throughout Mississippi where avian nephrosis has recurred in many successive broods. The disease usually appears when chicks are 21 days of age, but it has been first observed as early as 11 days and up to market age. The mortality has generally lasted 6 days. These field trials were conducted to observe the response to various products and management practices which seemed to offer some possibility of eliminating or lessening the losses. Negative controls were used in all studies. Erythromycin in the drinking water was given just before and during the period of mortality, as well as during the outbreak only. In other trials, erythromycin was supplemented with eight vita-

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The inoculation of Mycoplasma gallisepticum into the yolk sac of 18-day-old embryonating chicken eggs resulted in a high incidence of active infection in the chicks during the first two weeks of age. The percentage of pips was increased and mortality during the first two weeks ranged from 10 to SO percent. Infected chicks often exhibited difficulty in breathing and gross air sac lesions were present. Weight gain was depressed as compared to uninfected control chicks and M. gallisepticum serum plate agglutinins were formed. A comparison of microscopic lesions present in infected and uninfected chicks will be discussed. Using this infection system, the efficacy of various tylosin treatments administered during the first days following hatch was demonstrated. This system may be employed as an economical effective method for screening compounds for activity versus M. gallisepticum.

LYSINE SUPPLEMENTATION OF TURKEY BREEDER DIETS

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

mins. As another means of stimulating water intake, molasses was added to the drinking water. Comparisons were made in which only old litter, only new litter, and a combination of the same old and some new litter were used. Observations were made of the effect of maintaining an adequate level of temperature and the effect of a disinfectant used on a litter and dirt floor. No treatment has been consistently successful in preventing or treating this malady.

N. G. PAULHUS

Southern Crate & Veneer Macon, Ga.

Company,

Objectives in efficiency studies include, among others, cost reduction, conserving labor, reducing production time, improving service, and conserving product. An instructive approach to undertaking such studies is presented by utilizing industrial engineering technique. The basic steps and the questioning attitude are presented together with forms and symbols used in the materials handling analysis. In addition to the technique, a case study is presented to illustrate the application of materials handling analysis to a specific ice-packing operation. Flow diagrams, process charts and plant layout are used to further illustrate the application. A series of color slides are also presented to show the various steps and operations for ice-packing poultry under the old and for the new improved method of poultry handling. A comparison of the new and old layouts as well as improvements in the crew size and production rate are illustrated to emphasize economies in handling and in space utilization. MATERIAL HANDLING AND POULTRY MARKETING N. G. PAULHUS

Southern Crate & Veneer Macon, Ga.

Company,

There is a need to adopt the "systems approach" concept to materials handling problems in our industry. This involves not only the operational aspects of solving marketing problems but also the need to consider a broader approach in attacking related research problems. Experience indicates that the poultry industry must accelerate the introduction of engineering personnel and techniques

RELATIONSHIPS AMONG PROTEINS IN CHROMATOGRAPHIC FRACTIONS OF CHICKEN PLASMAS AND OTHER TRAITS D. D. PEARSON AND F. DOLYAK

University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn. An experiment was designed to examine the possibility that correlations exist between variates describing quantities of proteins in chicken plasma fractions and those indicating the magnitude of certain traits of economic importance. Twenty-four hens, whose pedigree records were complete, were taken from the Connecticut randombred population. Tests were made during July and August on birds that were IS to 16 months of age. Plasmas from these individual birds were fractionated using a step-wise elution procedure following absorption onto a column of DEAE cellulose, and the protein content of each fraction was determined by colorimetric procedures. By multiple correlation analyses, the amounts of protein in IS fractions of chicken plasmas were compared with the following economic traits: eightweek weight, mature body weight, age at first egg, SOO-day egg production, and mature egg weight. The work to date has indicated the following tentative conclusions. A statistically-significant negative correlation exists between protein fraction L and mature body weight. Components D, E, and F, which have similar chromatographic properties, also have close inverse relationships to

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AN APPROACH TO ICE-PACK POULTRY HANDLING STUDIES

in attacking our ever increasing handling problems and processes. Our teaching and training programs must be improved so as to orient our students and managers with the increasing complexity of integrated materials handling systems utilized in marketing poultry and poultry products. A case study is presented to emphasize those operations where materials handling is the primary cost factor. The size and allocation of the total work force (from assembly to distribution) is presented graphically. The complete plant layout is also presented to illustrate the flow of product through the various operations and processes. Industrial engineering tools, such as flow and operation process charts are utilized to visualize and emphasize the assembly, packing and loadingout operations. The emphasis is on materials handling as it affects the cost of the final product which is predominantly ice-pack poultry.

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the 500-day egg productivity of the chickens. No significant correlations were found between total plasma protein level and the five traits.

T H E MODE OF ACTION OF ANTIBIOTICS IN STIMULATING CHICK GROWTH J. M. PENSACK AND C. N. HUHTANEN

American Cyanamid Company, Princeton, N.J.

COMPARISON OF CONTROLLED AND FREE-CHOICE FEEDING OF CALCIUM UPON CALCIUM INTAKE AND EGG SHELL QUALITY C. F. PETERSEN, E. A. SAUTER, C. E. LAMPMAN AND A. C. WIESE

University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho Two experiments of 40 weeks' duration each were conducted to determine the influence of feeding 2.25 percent calcium with free-choice whole oyster shell upon total calcium intake and egg shell quality. This feeding regime was compared to 3.60 (1st expt.) and 3.75 percent calcium in complete rations. Duplicate lots of 115 and 137 White Leghorn pullets were used for each treatment in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Egg shell quality was measured by specific gravity for all eggs produced during a 3-day period of al-

THE APPARENT ERADICATION OF PPLO (MYCOPLASMA GALLISEPTICUM) FROM EXPERIMENTAL AND COMMERCIAL CHICKS BY THE USE OF ANTIBIOTICS E. H. PETERSON

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville,

Ark.

For many years, the author has sought a regime of antibiotic medication which when applied to chicks would be effective for the total elimination of Mycoplasma gallisepticum. The following procedure has been shown to be so effective in controlled laboratory trials. At five day intervals beginning at day-of-age, chicks are injected subcutaneously with a suspension of tylosin tartrate in corn oil, 25 mg./ml., the number of injections being varied from four to eight, and the injection volume graded from 0.5 ml. at day-of-age to 1.0, 1.0, 1.5, 1.5, 2.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mis. respectively. Simultaneously, the birds are medicated with 500 grams of chlortetracycline per ton of mash plus 8 lbs. of terephthalic acid. Ten to 30 days after the last injection, each group was infected with Newcastle disease or infectious bronchitis. Thirty days after the viral attack had run its course, all birds were negative serologically for PPLO antibodies, and free from lesions of airsacculitis. Composite tracheal extracts did not produce sinusitis in inoculated turkeys. Infected controls were positive in all three categories. Neither antibiotic was effective alone. More than 50,000 chicks in commercial flocks have been injected five times and medicated with 300 grams of CTC in the feed with lowered calcium plus terephthalic acid. On the basis of serological testing, all groups are thought to have been rendered free from M. gallisepticum.

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The effect of chlortetracycline and other antibiotics on the growth of chicks was studied. Dietary antibiotics exert their growth-stimulating effect during a limited, critical period early in the life of the chick. During this period, chicks receiving no antibiotic consume feed normally, but apparently develop a transitory syndrome of malabsorption of feed nutrients as expressed by reduction in growth rate, impairment in feed utilization, and increased output of fecal material. Cecal size was increased. Antibiotic administration evidently suppressed this period of malabsorption and resulted in increased weight gain, improved feed efficiency, decreased output of fecal material, and reduced cecal size. Spontaneous improvement in growth rate and intestinal absorption subsequently occurred in chicks receiving no dietary antibiotic after this critical early period. These investigations are in confirmation of the suggestion that antibiotics stimulate chick growth by their action against microorganisms which interfere with the absorption of feed nutrients.

ternate weeks. Feed and shell intake and production data were summarized at 4-week intervals. The hens fed 2.25 percent calcium and freechoice whole shell consumed more total calcium. Total calcium intake was 4.30 and 4.45 percent for experiments 1 and 2. Shell consumption was highest during the early part of the laying year when shell quality was good. Shell quality was similar for the two feeding systems, with quality decline associated with age being nearly equal. Birds fed whole shell consumed more total feed and average feed required per dozen eggs increased from 4.30 to 4.50 pounds. Other production factors were not influenced by the two feeding methods.

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

INTRAFOLLICULAR PRESSURES IN THE FEATHER FOLLICLE ASSOCIATED WITH FEATHER LOOSENING AND TIGHTENING R. A. PETERSON AND R. K.

RINGER

Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mick.

DOES INDUSTRY HAVE A PLACE IN THE TRAINING OF THE UNDERGRADUATE? GEORGE D. QUIGLEY

University of Maryland, College Park, Md. The graduate in agriculture is increasingly oriented toward industry, as contrasted to a strictly on-the-farm career. He is being better grounded in science and the humanities than ever before. A definite lack is seen in industry experience and training prior to graduation which only industry can provide. A greater sense of partnership is needed between the schools and industry to the unquestioned benefit of student, school, and industry. An important by-product to industry is improved personnel recruitment, employee progress and satisfaction. USE OF CO-RAL AS A SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDE FOR POULTRY G. D. QUIGLEY, W. C. HARDINC AND R. E.

CHICK PANCREATIC FUNCTION IN RESPONSE TO RAW SOYBEAN MEAL M. H. PUBOLS, H. C. SAXENA, J. K. LAUBER AND JAMES M C G I N N I S

Washington State University, Pullman, Wash. It is now well known that growth depression and pancreatic hypertrophy occur in birds fed raw soybean meal (RSB). Saxena et al. (Proc. Soc. Exptl. Biol. Med. 112; 390, 1963) showed that RSB diet interfered with release of pancreatic enzymes in response to pilocarpine. Studies of specific activities of enzymes show that pancreatic trypsin activity is higher in birds fed RSB than in controls fed heated soybean meal (HSB). Amylase activity is, however, lower in the RSB

MENZER*

University of Maryland, College Park, Md. A systemic insecticide for poultry which would control ectoparasites, and possibly endoparasites, as well as maggots or flies from the manure, could be beneficial to the industry. There is preliminary evidence that some of these objectives may be accomplished but there remain problems of materials, methods, and safety. Co-Ral was administered continuously in feed to 2 breeds in floor pens at 0, S, 10, 20 p.p.m., and to caged layers at these levels, also at 40 and 60 p.p.m. Individual evaluations were made of infestation of the chicken body louse, Menacanthus stramineus (Nitzsch). There was no effect from the levels used over a 14 week period, as measured by louse count, body weight, feed consumption, egg production,

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Feather follicles within the femoral and main tail feather tracts were directly cannulated and follicular pressure changes were measured with a pressure transducer (Statham model P23BB). In each mature S. C. White Leghorn hen measurements were recorded in the unanesthetized state (normal condition of feather tightening), anesthetized state (loosened condition) and following death by cervical dislocation. A base feather follicle pressure was established in the unanesthetized bird. Following anesthetization, follicular pressure decreased 27.7 percent in the main tail feather tract and 34.4 percent in the femoral tract. Feather pulling force was observed to increase within 70 seconds after cervical dislocation of the anesthetized birds. During this time period the follicular pressure increased 49.2 percent in the femoral tract and 61.6 percent in the main tail tract. Approximately 2.S minutes after cervical dislocation, follicular pressure decreased to the base pressure level in the femoral tract and below the base pressure level in the main tail tract. The data obtained indicate that, following anesthetization, pressure within the feather follicle decreased. Concurrent with this pressure decrease, feather pull resistance was also observed to decrease.

group. The specific activities of both enzymes increased in RSB-fed birds given pilocarpine 30 minutes prior to sacrifice, while pilocarpine caused a decrease in both amylase and trypsin in HSBfed birds. When birds raised on either HSB or RSB to 4 weeks of age were changed to the alternate diet, enzyme activity approached the levels characteristic of the diet. This trend was evident as early as 2 hours after the new diet was fed. It is suggested that RSB diet may not only interfere with release of enzymes from the pancreas, but may also cause a reduction in enzyme synthesis.

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

* Present address: University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.

with six amino acids gave egg sizes of 58.7 and 57.3 grams, respectively. Adjusting protein level as the laying period advances is indicated. SYMPOSIUM: JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR POULTRY SCIENCE GRADUATES Chairman:

J. H. QUISENBERRY

The A. and M. College of Texas, College Station, Tex. Participants R. C. EATON

Ralston Purina Company, St. Louis, Mo. W. A. WHITE

DeKalb Agricultural Association, Inc., DeKalb, III. J. G. SALSBURY

Dr. Salsbury's Laboratories,

Charles City,

Iowa

S. SMITH

Cooperative Grange League Federation Exchange Inc., Ithaca, N.Y. C. H. KOONZ

Swift & Company, Chicago, III. EGG SIZE AS INFLUENCED BY PROTEIN LEVEL AND DIETARY GRAIN SOURCE J . H . QUISENBERRY, JOHN W . BRADLEY, JAMES DEATON, E. C. COLIGADO AND D. D. MALIK

The A. and M. College of Texas, College Station, Tex. Seven experiments involving 2200 birds have been conducted (Experiment 1). 13, 15, and 17% protein resulted in average egg sizes of 56.1, 59.1, and 60.3 grams. (2) Protein levels of 14, 16, and 18% resulted in egg sizes of 56.5, 57.4, and 58.0 grams, respectively. Lysine and methionine supplementation had no effect upon egg size. (3) Protein levels of 13, 14, 16, and 18% resulted in egg sizes of 54.0, 57.5, 58.3, and 59.8 grams. Lysine and methionine supplementation of the 13% diet increased egg size but not the 14%. (4) 14 and 18% protein resulted in 55.5 and 57.7 grams, respectively. Results of three experiments comparing various protein levels and grain sources follow: (5) Egg size for an 18% protein-corn diet was 60.0 grams, 59.0 for milo; 15% proteincorn was 59.1, milo 56.5; (6) Two 14% proteincorn diets gave 58.0 and 58.0 gram eggs, whereas milo gave 55.2 and 54.0. 16% protein gave no difference in egg size between corn and milo. (7) Another 14% protein-corn diet gave 59.7 gram eggs and milo 56.4. These diets supplemented

H. I. MILLER

Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington 25, D.C. (No abstracts submitted) GENETIC DIFFERENCES IN WATER METABOLISM OF THE DOMESTIC FOWL J. H. QUISENBERRY AND D. D. MALIK

The A. and M. College of Texas, College Station, Tex. Relation of genetic differences in water metabolism between individuals of the same breeding group to performance and economic values have not been reported in the literature. The present trend toward high-bird density and complete environmental control in windowless houses accent the need for more information on avian water metabolism. Since 10,000 hens will excrete almost 5,000 pounds of water daily, genetic selection of low water excretors may become an economically sound practice. Subjective scoring of the wetness of the droppings of the 30 entries in the Texas Random Sample Test for twelve months resulted in highly significant differences. Fresh droppings from selected high, low and medium wetness-score strains

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interior egg quality by Haugh units, hatchability, nor from growth rate to 4 weeks of chicks hatched from insecticide fed parents. There was no evidence of gross toxicity, nor evidence of residue in eggs when analysis was made by a method provided by the manufacturer. Observations were made of the number of ascarids, and other endoparasites remaining in the intestines at the end of the experiment and we found no evidence of control. Fiy numbers predominately the little house fly, Fannia canicularis (Linnaeus), and the house fly, Musca domestica Linnaeus, hatching from manure were reduced 26%, 44%, 85%, 89%, and 95% by levels of 5, 10, 20, 40, and 60 p.p.m. respectively, continuously in feed. No data were taken on maggot numbers but the principal control seemed to be after the larvae period. This, and analysis of manure supports the viewpoint that the insecticide or its metabolites passes through the gut tract of the chicken.

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

were extracted by the toluene method and gave highly significant differences in the water content of the droppings. Water content of the eggs from these birds also differend significantly. These results suggest that the poultry breeder of the future to remain competitive may find it necessary to select for a low water excretion rate in his birds.

THE EFFECT OF TERMINAL HEATING ON THE NUTRITIVE VALUE OF MEAT AND BONE MEAL O. H. M. WILDER

American Meat Institute Foundation, Chicago 37, III. Several published studies have demonstrated that rendered animal by-products produced in this country may be contaminated with Salmonella species. The object of this study was to determine times and temperatures required to kill Salmonella in meat and bone meal, and to what extent, if any, this additional heat treatment affected the nutritive value of the meal. By use of a pugmill, and a single meat and bone meal sample naturally contaminated with Salmonella (approximately 1/gram), a series of heating tests were conducted. A portion of the sample was introduced into the pugmill, heated to the desired temperature, and tested for viable Salmonella. Individual runs were heated to maxima of 150°, 160°, 170°, and 180°, requiring 43, SO, 57, and 63 minutes, respectively. All proved to be negative with the exception of the sample heated to only 150°F. Additional contaminated samples were obtained, heated to 160°F., and tested for Salmonella; all proved negative. A short bio-assay of these reheated proteins has indicated that the time and temperature of reheating required to kill Salmonella did not significantly change the nutritive value of the protein.

INFLUENCE OF DIETARY CALCIUM IN LAYING RATIONS ON SHELL QUALITY AND INTERIOR QUALITY OF EGGS C. V. REDDY AND PAUL E. SANFORD

Kansas State University, Manhattan,

Kan.

A study was made for a duration of 40 weeks to determine the effect of different levels of dietary calcium on the performance of inbred cross-

EFFECT OF DIETARY PROTEIN LEVEL ON LAYING HEN PERFORMANCE B. L. REID, A. A. KURNICK AND B. J. HULETT

University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz. Three experiments have been conducted employing birds hatched during February, March and July. Four dietary protein levels were fed. All diets were maintained isocaloric at 1310 Calories metabolizable energy per pound (922 Cal. P.E.). Birds were housed on straw litter, and two replicate pens of 40 birds each were fed on each dietary treatment in each experiment. The feeding of 13% dietary protein with 1310 Calories of metabolizable energy failed to support egg production at the level obtained with 15% higher levels of protein during the first 24-28 weeks of egg production. After this time, 13% protein proved to be adequate for egg production in two of the three experiments conducted. Egg size was reduced by the feeding of the lower protein levels. The percentage of large and extra large eggs produced by hens fed the 13% protein diet was 60-62% compared with 62-65% when 15% protein was fed and 64-71% at the 17% protein level. Protein retention studies were conducted during the latter part of each experiment and the re-

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O. G. RASMUSSEN, R. HANSEN AND

bred (Hy-line) hens, using 2.25% calcium as basal, in corn-sorghum grain-soybean ration. The calcium levels were raised by increments of 0.4 to 5.05% inclusive. The criteria used for evaluation were egg weight, percent shell, Haugh units, egg production, and feed consumed per dozen eggs. These were measured at regular periods. Analyses of data, for both treatments and periods, showed that birds fed 2.25% calcium resulted significantly in greater egg weight than those fed higher levels. Calcium intakes above 2.25 or even 2.65% significantly improved shell quality. Treatment X period interaction was also found to be significant for both egg weight and percent shell. The interior quality (Haugh units) of the egg was not significantly improved for hens fed above 2.25% calcium. Feed consumed per dozen eggs increased linearly (b = +0.1) with increasing levels of calcium in the diet. Hens fed 3.85% calcium resulted in maximum egg production which, however, decreased at still higher levels of dietary calcium. These results suggest that calcium requirements of laying hens are in excess of N.R.C. recommendations.

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tained nitrogen per dozen eggs produced calculated. The protein required per dozen eggs produced ranged from 91-100 gms. COMPARISON OF LAG TIME IN LH RELEASE BETWEEN T H E TURKEY AND CHICKEN R. K. RINGER, J. H. WOLFORD AND

A highly significantly greater number of deaths from E. coli infection occurred among bursectomized than non-bursectomized birds of the commercial strain, but the difference in mortality for Line IS was not significant. A significantly greater number of A. galli were present in bursectomized than in non-bursectomized birds of the commercial strain.

T. H. COLEMAN

Michigan State

University, East Lansing,

Mich.

T H E ROLE OF THE BURSA OF FABRICIUS IN RESISTANCE TO DISEASE C. R. SADLER AND S. A. EDGAR

Auburn University, Auburn, Ala. To determine the role of the bursa of Fabricius in resistance to disease, bursectomized and nonbursectomized chickens of one to three strains of S. C. White Leghorns were experimentally infected with five disease agents. Chickens included RPL Line IS (East Lansing, leukosis susceptible), R Line (E. tenella resistant), and a commercial strain. Infectious agents included fowl pox virus, Escherichia colt, Salmonella gallinarum, 8 species of coccidia, and Ascaridia galli. Tests also were conducted to determine the role of the bursa during development of immunity to coccidiosis and fowl pox. Removal of the bursa had no significant effect on resistance to fowl pox or coccidiosis, nor on development of immunity to either disease. However, chicks bursectomized at 14 days of age were more susceptible than non-bursectomized or those bursectomized at one day. Differences in mortality or growth rate between bursectomized and nonbursectomized birds infected with 5. gallinarum were not significant.

BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH GIBLETS OF COMMERCIALLY PROCESSED TURKEYS R. H. SALZER, A. A. KRAFT AND J. C. AYRES

Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa Turkey giblets from a commercial processing plant were sampled for viable aerobic bacteria and organisms having public health significance. Swab samples were taken from livers and gizzards after evisceration and after washing. Counts were made of viable aerobes, coliforms, fecal streptococci, coagulase-positive staphylococci, and salmonellae. The aerobic bacterial count did not change significantly (P = 0.05) during processing; numbers of organisms ranged from S to 6400 per cm.2 on the surface of livers and from 10 to 8000 per cm.2 on the surface of gizzards. Populations of coliforms and fecal streptococci were significantly reduced (P = 0.01) after washing. As a result of washing, numbers of coliform organisms decreased from about 1.0% to less than 0.1% of the total aerobic population; enterococci decreased from approximately 2.5% to 0.1%. Enterococci were usually found in greater numbers than were coliforms. Coagulase-positive staphylococci were recovered from 4 of the 200 giblets examined. No salmonellae were detected on livers or gizzards either before or after washing.

SORGHUM GRAIN AS A SOURCE OF ENERGY FOR POULTRY PAUL E. SANFORD

Kansas State University, Manhattan,

Kan.

Egg production strain White Rock, first generation cross of egg production strain New Hampshire X White Rock, meat-type first generation cross of Cornish X White Rock, and broiler strain-cross White Rock chicks have been fed rations in which the source of energy was supplied as ground sorghum grain, ground yellow

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Based upon theoretical conclusions of lag in LH release between subsequent eggs in a laying sequence derived from oviposition times in the turkey, it appears that the turkey and chicken have similar lag times. In both species the lag in LH release is greater between the first and second egg of the laying sequence, and between the nextto-last and last egg of the sequence, than between intervening eggs. The lag time between the last two eggs of the sequence is greater than that between the first two eggs. In the turkey the cumulative lag time between all eggs in a sequence reaches a maximum of about 6.5 hours compared to approximately 7.0 hours in the chicken.

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ABSTRACTS or PAPERS

THE EFFECT OF ACTH ON TOTAL CHOLESTEROL LEVEL OF THE ADRENAL GLAND IN SURGICALLY OR CHEMICALLY BURSECTOMIZED CHICKS K O J I SATO AND BRUCE GLICK

Mississippi State University, State College, Miss. Perek and Eilat (1960) reported that ACTH induced a significant decrease of adrenal ascorbic acid in bursectomized chicks of young age. Their results suggest that the bursa of Fabricius might influence the function of the adrenal gland. The experiments presented here were undertaken to clarify a role of the bursa of Fabricius in influencing cholesterol level of the adrenal gland. Chicks used were bursectomized either surgically or chemically. Chemical bursectomy was performed by dipping fertile eggs in alcohol solutions of testosterone propionate. Total cholesterol of the adrenal gland was determined 12 to 14 hours after a single injection of ACTH to 3 to 9 week old chicks. The levels of cholesterol significantly decreased after ACTH injection of sham-operated chicks (12.9 to 16.7 u.g./mg. of adrenal), surgically bursectomized chicks (14.6 to 18.2 u.g./mg.), and chemically bursectomized chicks (13.3 to 14.2 Hg./mg.), while all groups not receiving ACTH showed cholesterol levels of 22.0 to 28.8 u,g./mg. There were no significant differences in the level

of cholesterol between sham-operated and bursectomized birds receiving ACTH. Results obtained from four trials suggest that the bursa of Fabricius does not influence the level of cholesterol in the adrenal gland. DIETARY INFLUENCES UPON BLOOD SPOT INCIDENCE E. A. SAUTER, C. F. PETERSEN, C. E.

LAMPMAN

AND A. C. WIESE

University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho Three experiments were conducted to determine the effect of dehydrated alfalfa meal on the incidence of blood spots feeding a corn-soybean meal basal diet with and without 3 percent alfalfa meal. Duplicate lots of 48 White Leghorn pullets in individual cages were used. Blood spots were determined on a broken out basis and data summarized at 2-week intervals. In the first experiment of 36 weeks' duration, 3 percent alfalfa meal caused over a 60 percent increase in blood spot incidence. Comparisons were made over a 26-week period in the second experiment with a 6-week index period used to equalize blood spot incidence of birds followed by an 8-week basal period prior to feeding the experimental rations. Three percent alfalfa meal again resulted in a significant increase in blood spot production. In the third experiment, pullets were selected during an 8-week period on the basis of high blood spot incidence. Two basal diets of 15 and 18 percent protein were then fed for 8 weeks. Both basal diets were supplemented with 3 percent alfalfa for an additional 12 weeks. Results confirmed the findings of the previous experiments. ACCENTUATION OF COPPER DEFICIENCY PATHOLOGY BY ZINC J. E. SAVAGE, D. W. BIRD AND B. L. O'DELL

University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo. Chicks fed for four weeks on a low-copper non-fat milk-solids diet supplemented with 50 p.p.m. iron and 28 p.p.m. zinc weighed 33.5 g., were slightly anemic ( 8 % Hb.) showed leg weakness (20%), subcutaneous hemorrhage (20%) and low mortality (5%). When zinc was increased to 225 p.p.m., chick weight was 129 g.; hemoglobin, 5.7%; mortality, 47%, of which 30% resulted from internal hemorrhage; subcutaneous hemorrhage, 67%; and leg abnormalities, 53%. Supplementing

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corn or various combinations of ground yellow corn and ground sorghum grain. Excellent growth and feed conversion have been obtained by feeding a ration combining 35 parts of sorghum grain with 30 parts of corn to supply the cereal grain portion of a practical-type 2 1 % protein broiler ration. A weight of 2047 gm. (4.56 lb.) was obtained at 8 wks. of age with an individual male bird with the lot av. of 1492 gm. (3.3 lb.), and a feed conversion of 2.1 lb. of feed/lb. of gain. Non significant difference in feed consumption was found when sorghum grain or yellow corn were used as the source of energy; however, it has been observed there are differences in the acceptability of various cereal grains and different varieties of a cereal grain such as sorghum grain. It has been found the acceptability of cereal grains can be modified by altering the physical form. For example, rolled or pelleted sorghum grain was more acceptable than whole kernel or ground.

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

INFLUENCE OF P H AND HEAT ON PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF LIQUID WHOLE EGG M . SEBRING, O. J . COTTERILL AND E . M . FUNK

University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo. The effect of several pH values (3 through 11) and heating temperatures (140 through 160°F. for one minute) on the physical properties of liquid whole egg was observed. The unheated centrifuged whole egg had a maximum precipitate volume at pH 8.5. Heating whole egg depressed the precipitate volume at pH 8.0 to 9.0 while increasing it at other pH values. Similarly, a viscosity peak in the unheated samples was observed at pH 8.5. Heating at 140°F. lowered the viscosity in the 7.5 to 11.0 pH range. However, higher temperatures (150 to 160°F.) caused an increase in viscosity at all pH values studied. When compared to the unheated controls, the greatest increase in viscosity caused by heating was pH 7.5 while the least increase was at pH 8.S. It is suggested that the visible color of liquid whole egg is in part due to a pH sensitive chromatic substance other than that normally associated with yolk pigmentation. Evidence is presented in support of a hypothesis that an egg white-lipoprotein complex exists in the whole egg system at pH 8.5.

ESTIMATION OF TURKEY MUSCLE PROTEINS L. G. SCHARPF, JR. AND W. W. MARION

Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa Protein extraction and fractionation was carried out on samples of breast and leg muscles of Bronze turkey males of 21-32 weeks of age. Duplicate samples were taken from each muscle immediately post-mortem (30 minutes following slaughter), and were ground with sand in a mortar and pestle containing a small portion of the extractant solution. A KCl-borate buffer system was used in extracting the proteins, and fractionation was achieved by dialysis and dilution to appropriate ionic strengths. Nitrogen determinations were made on the total, extractable, coagulable, actomyosin, myosin, and sarcoplasmic fractions using the micro-Kjeldahl method. These fractions contained 4.27, 2.57, 1.96, 0.53, 0.09, and 1.36 G. nitrogen, respectively, per 100 g. of muscle (wet weight). Analysis of variance showed no significant differences between birds or samples, however a highly significant muscle difference was observed. Nitrogen values for light muscle were higher than those for dark muscle. STUDIES ON THE NON-SPECIFIC NITROGEN REQUIREMENT OF CHICKS FED A CRYSTALLINE AMINO ACID DIET H. M.

SCOTT, W. F. DEAN AND R. E.

SMITH

University of Illinois, Urbana, III. A crystalline amino acid diet, formulated to meet the amino acid standard previously reported upon by Dean and Scott (Poultry Sci. 41:1640, 1962) was employed in this work. L-glutamic acid (12%) and L-proline (1%) were omitted from the amino acid mixture. This basal diet was supplemented with graded levels (up to 12%) of either (1) i-glutamic acid, (2) a mixture of non-essential amino acids (NEAA) or (3) a combination of glutamic acid and NEAA. The mixture of NEAA was patterned after whole egg protein and contained L-proline (16.4%), L-aspartic acid (29.9%), L-serine (28.5%) and L-alanine (25.2%). Chicks gained 4.2 gm./day on the unsupplemented diet. In the glutamic acid series, 9-12% of this amino acid was required to maximize gain (12 gm./day). In the NEAA series, growth plateaued (10.2 gm.

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the high zinc diet with 50 p.p.m. copper prevented both internal and subcutaneous hemorrhage but did not completely correct the anemia; chick weight was 388 g., and leg abnormalities, 13%. When the diet was supplemented with 100 p.p.m. iron and SO p.p.m. copper, weight was 426 g.; hemoglobin, 9.1% and no mortality or hemorrhage occurred. Elastin content of aorta (formic acid extraction) from chicks on the low-copper diet was 60% of controls and on the low-copper high-zinc diet only 35%. Iron supplements were without effect but copper supplements resulted in normal connective tissue development in both the lowcopper and low-copper high-zinc diets.

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

INFLUENCE OF PHOTOPERIOD AND PATTERN OF PHOTOPERIOD CHANGE DURING GROWING AND LAYING PERIODS ON AGE OF SEXUAL MATURITY OF PULLETS, EGG PRODUCTION AND EGG WEIGHT J. V. SHUTZE, W. E. MATSON AND JAMES M C G I N N I S

Washington State University, Pullman, Wash. Two experiments were conducted with two different strains of SCWL, raised in floor pens. In one experiment the 1,620 pullets were housed in floor pens during the laying period, and in the other 1,440 pullets were kept in individual cages after 20 or 22 weeks of age. The objectives of these experiments were designed t o : (1) compare a gradual decrease in photoperiod during the developing period, followed by a gradual increase in the laying house, with a treatment in which photoperiod was abruptly decreased from 16 hours to 9 hours at 16 weeks of age followed by an abrupt increase in the laying house at 20 or 22 weeks of age; (2) determine whether decreasing the photoperiod from 22 hours at hatching to 16 hours at 22 weeks was comparable in its effect on performance to decreasing from 22 or 16 hours at hatching to 9 hours per day at 22 weeks of age. Decreasing the photoperiod of pullets from 22 hours at hatching gradually to 16 hours at 22 weeks of age did not delay sexual maturity compared with a constant 16 hour photoperiod treatment, and the pullets in the former photoperiod treatment laid at a lower rate than pullets in other treatments. Pullets exposed to a constant 16 hour photoperiod from hatching to 16 weeks of age followed by a 9 hour photoperiod for 4 or

6 weeks and a constant 16 hour photoperiod during the laying phase laid at a rate comparable to pullets which were exposed to a gradually decreasing photoperiod from hatching to 20 or 22 weeks. Increasing the photoperiod gradually or totally at 20 or 22 weeks of age did influence the results obtained. 4-H POULTRY PROJECT REVIEW J. W. SlCER Purdue University, Lafayette,

Ind.

Tn an attempt to revise and up-date its 4-H Poultry Projects, Indiana requested from each state an outline of the 4-H Poultry Projects in operation and copies of manuals, record forms and other material used in connection with the projects. In addition, a questionnaire was sent to all Indiana extension agents and vocational agricultural instructors to gather their reactions to certain proposals and to solicit suggestions from the field. Study of the projects in use in the various states and of the situations facing youth today led to the belief that a wider variety of projects related to poultry should be offered. These should include science projects, industry study projects, product utilization projects and projects adaptable to the suburbanite with limited room and facilities. There seems to be a definite need for provision of specific progressive requirements from year to year in all poultry projects. Opportunities to increase enrollment seem to be abundant but the addition of projects with wider appeal and greater attractiveness seems imperative. Outlines of some of the new and revised projects being developed in Indiana will be presented for discussion. STUDIES WITH WARFARIN ON THE INCIDENCE OF BLOOD SPOTS AND IN RELATION TO PROTHROMBIN TIME, EGG QUALITY AND MORTALITY IN LAYING HENS S. M . SlDDIQTJI AND J . L. FRY

. Kansas State University, Manhattan,

Kan.

Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of Warfarin in the diet of laying hens on the mortality, prothrombin time, blood spot incidence, and other egg quality characteristics. Warfarin was fed either mixed in the feed at a level of .025% or as pellets of the same con-

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/day) at the 6% level of the mixture. In the third series a combination of glutamic acid (6%) and NEAA (6%) resulted in a gain of 14.4 gm./day. In the second experiment, 6% L-glutamic acid and 1% L-proline were added back to the crystalline amino acid diet. Graded levels of nitrogen, up to an amount equivalent to the N in 6% glutamic acid (.571% N) were added to the modified basal as either (1) L-glutamic acid, (2) NEAA (minus proline) or (3) diammonium citrate (DAC). All sources of supplemental N improved chick gain slightly but not beyond the first supplemental level (.143% N ) . The extent to which chicks utilized DAC could not be determined from this assay.

ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

RESUME OF FIRST POULTRY WASTE MANAGEMENT SYMPOSIUM J. L. SKINNER*

University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb. The first National Symposium on Poultry Waste Management was held May 13-15, 1963, at the Nebraska Center for Continuing Education. Sponsored jointly by Waste Disposal Commutes of Poultry Science and American Society of Agricultural Engineers, the symposium sought to bring together the best informed persons and the most widely accepted principles from engineering, public health, public sanitation and poultry. The meeting gave consideration to the many waste and by-products from producers, processors, and hatcheries in light of the best possible use, method of handling and ultimate disposition of each. For years the industry's efforts have been centered on techniques of breeding, management and marketing with little regard for the side affects these operations create. Today, with greater concentrations of people and poultry, the disposal of waste products, by-products, and associated activities must be recognized as being a major problem. Appearance of the working unit and such things as dust, odors, feathers, and noise are important considerations. Elimination of flies, other insects, and rodent breeding grounds is also a must in a future unquestionably filled with many regulations, ordinances and zoning laws. The ability of animal production units to be good neighbors in any community is increasingly essential. * Present address :_University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.

A NEW KIND OF POULTRY CONTEST J. L. SKINNER* AND J. L. ADAMS

University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb. Judging by comparison of individual birds was at one time an important training and teaching experience. Today changes in breeding methods, and the genetic similarity of all birds in a given flock, have made individual phenotypic selection largely a thing of the past for the producer. For judging and evaluation experiences to be of maximum value to 4-H and F.F.A. youngsters, modernization of judging procedures seemed imperative. Toward this end, Nebraska began in 1961, a type of contest where management situations and bird requirements are compared rather than the physical condition of four individual hens. This contest has been well received by F.F.A. and 4-H members. Their instructors and leaders have also expressed the opinion, "this is practical stuff," and "we can prepare them for this contest." The contest has been designed to eliminate guesses and chance and to award placings on the basis of the most complete overall knowledge of the poultry industry. Each of the six sections of the contest has been arranged for scoring on marksensed cards with the answers in comparative terms. This enables IBM machines to be programmed ahead of the contest and results can be obtained within minutes after the contest is completed. * Present address: University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin. EFFECT OF FASTING PRIOR TO SLAUGHTER ON YIELD OF BROILERS M. J. SMIDT, S. D. FORMICA AND J. C. FRITZ

Dawe's Laboratories, Inc., Chicago, III. Two tests were made to determine the effect of varying lengths of fasting period immediately prior to slaughter. Uniform cockerels were selected from a larger number of broilers at the end of a feeding test. The birds were weighed, feed was removed, and representative birds were slaughtered after varying periods without feed. Water was kept before the birds during the fasting period. The birds were again weighed just before they were killed. They were dressed in the usual manner. Weight of the warm eviscerated carcass including heart, liver, and emptied gizzard was obtained. In the first test groups of 8 birds, 65 days of

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centration fed free choice with the control diet. Rations with and without alfalfa were used. The following conclusions were made from this study: the incidence of blood spots was not increased by feeding Warfarin at a .025% level, whether the feed contained alfalfa or not; feeding a .025% Warfarin diet as the only source of feed prolonged prothrombin time; albumen quality of Warfarin-fed birds was unaffected; egg weight, shell thickness, and hen-day rate of production were slightly lower for treated birds than for controls; eggs of treated birds contained measurable amounts of Warfarin; and mortality was low, indicating that poultry are comparatively resistant to toxicity of Warfarin at levels not higer than .025%.

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

age were dressed after fasting periods of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, and 16 hours. There was a loss in live weight due to emptying of the digestive tract, but there was no loss in eviscerated carcass weight. In the second test groups, 10 birds, 76 days of age were dressed after fasting periods of 0, 8, 16, 24, and 32 hours. There was a progressive loss in live weight, and a very small loss in eviscerated weight after the birds were held without feed for 16 hours or longer.

E. B. S M I T H , C. R. CREGER AND J. R. COUCH

The A.& M. College of Texas, College Station, Tex. The object of this study was to evaluate the performance of sesame oil meal and Peruvian fish meal as protein sources on the reproductive performances of broiler-type-breeder and egg strain hens. Sesame oil meal, like Peruvian fish meal, is a good source of amino acids, except for lysine. All diets were formulated and analyzed to be equal or greater than the N.R.C. essential amino acid requirements for the laying hen. For Single Comb White Leghorns, the protein levels were 12, 14, 16% with an isocaloric value of 890 therms/lb. The hens were maintained in individual cages with ten bird groups, replicated four times for each diet. Diets were formulated to supply the following amounts on a percent protein basis: (1) 7/i Peruvian fish meal + I/2 soybean meal (2) J/2 Peruvian fish meal + l/2 sesame oil meal, and (3) all sesame oil + lysine supplementation and a 16% protein—54 sesame oil meal + $4 soybean"oil meal taken arbitrarily as a standard diet. Differences were obtained in egg production with each level of protein. The heavy breed hens (Pilch), maintained in eight floor-pens of eighty hens + eight roosters each, were fed 14, 16, 18, 20% levels of protein with isocaloric values of 9S0 therms/lb. 5% Peruvian fish meal was used in four pens, covering the protein level ranges, and four pens had Yz of the protein source as sesame oil meal. The remaining protein needed was supplied from soybean oil meal.

R. E. S M I T H AND H. M. SCOTT

University oj Illinois, Urbana, III. Plasma amino acid concentrations in chicks fed a crystalline amino acid basal diet, formulated to meet the amino acid requirement standard of Dean and Scott (Poultry Sci. 41:1640, 1962) were compared to those of chicks fed the basal diet in which the amino acid mixture was replaced by an isonitrogenous amount of one of the following protein sources: (1) Menhaden fish meal, (2) eel meal, (3) sesame meal (with and without lysine supplementation), (4) properly heated and raw soybean meals (with and without methionine supplementation) and (5) a sample of overheated soybean meal. The feeding, blood sampling and assay techniques have been described (Dean and Scott, Poultry Sci. 1265, 1963). The extent to which plasma comparisons would accurately indicate the order of amino acid deficiencies or plethora in the ingested proteins was found to be entirely dependent upon the degree to which the standard reference diet exactly meets the essential amino acid requirements for growth. Recent growth assays have established that the levels of valine, threonine and histidine in the crystalline amino acid standard used exceeded those required for optimal growth. Consequently these amino acids erroneously appeared to be limiting in all proteins studied. In addition to the effect of these amino acids the following changes in plasma amino acid concentrations were observed: (1) Methionine plasma levels were markedly depressed as a result of feeding either fish meal. (Growth studies have indicated methionine first limiting in these meals.) (2) Sesame fed chicks demonstrated a substantial lysine depression. This reduction was prevented in the lysine supplemented diet. (3) Methionine levels were markedly depressed in all soybean comparisons unless additional methionine was fed. (4) Overheated soybean meal demonstrated a low plasma lysine level in addition to the low methionine. (5) A slight reduction in the level, but no change in the pattern, of amino acids in the group fed raw soybean meal when compared to those fed properly heated soybean meal.

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SESAME OIL MEAL AND PERUVIAN FISH MEAL AS PROTEIN SOURCES FOR LAYING AND BROILER TYPES

THE USE OF FREE AMINO ACID CONCENTRATIONS IN BLOOD PLASMA IN EVALUATING T H E AMINO ACID ADEQUACY OF INTACT PROTEINS FOR CHICK GROWTH

1309

ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS PHENYLALANINE AND VALINE STUDIES WITH THE TURKEY POULT 1 D. C. SNETSINGER, D. G. BRITZMAN,

R. C. FlTZSIMMONS AND P. E. WAIBEL University of Minnesota, St. Paul 1, Minn.

1 Published as Paper No. 5096, Scientific Journal Series of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station.

HISTOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF PROTEOLYTIC ENZYME ADDITION ON FREEZEDEHYDRATED CHICKEN MEAT M. E. SOSEBEE, K. N. MAY AND S. C. SCHMITTLE

University of Georgia, Ga. A histological study on chicken was undertaken in order to study the following objectives: (a) the effects of freeze-drying on tissue structure; (b) the nature of enzymatic action on the various constituents of muscular and connective tissue; and (c) the comparison of two proteolytic enzymes of widely different origin on the various constituents of meat. The enzymes used in the experiment were

CORRELATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR PARAMETERS OF THE TURKEY ELWOOD W. SPECKMANN

6570th AMRL Wright-Patterson

(MRMPB) AFB, Ohio

AND ROBERT K. RINGER

Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich. This study was designed to measure and evaluate the interrelationships of several cardiovascular parameters of untreated mature male Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys. Cardiac output was determined by an isotope dilution technique using radioactive-phosphorus (P32) as the indicator. Common carotid and posterior tibial arterial blood pressures were measured directly and were recorded simultaneously with the cardiac output determinations pre- and postepinephrine injection by means of two strain gauges connected to a recording polygraph. The static extensibility of thoracic and abdominal aortic segments was determined by an equation relating the extensibility of a vascular segment as a function of the change in volume of that segment for a given pressure. Partial correlation coefficients of three variates of cardiovascular parameters indicated that systolic blood pressure was positively correlated with diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, body weight and

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The turkey poult's requirements for L-phenylalanine and L-valine were studied using a purified diet, with a crystalline amino acid mixture serving as the sole source of amino nitrogen. The relative utilization of the D-isomers and DL-mixtures of these two amino acids were also investigated. Growth rate of week-old poults during a short assay period was used as the primary criterion for determining amino acid adequacy or utilization. The amino acid mixture used in these studies contained only L essential amino acids and simulated the amino acid composition of 20% protein derived from chicken, egg white. Under these conditions 0.9% L-valine was required to promote maximum poult growth. D-valine was found to be only 20 to 25% as effective as the L-isomer in supporting growth. The L-phenylalanine requirement (in the presence of a plethora of tyrosine) was determined with the all L-isomer diet and also on one in which 4 amino acids (try, iso, thr and val) were supplied as DL-mixtures at twice the L-isomer level. The requirement for phenylalanine did not exceed 0.6% when fed either the " L " or ' W - a m i n o acid mixture. However, D-isomer utilization varied between the two diets. For poults consuming an all L-isomer diet D-phenylalanine was 30% as effective as its L-isomer; whereas poults consuming the diet containing certain DL-amino acids utilized the D isomer only approximately 15% as effectively.

papain and Rhozyme P - l l at concentrations of 0.003% and 0.02%, respectively. Treatments were conducted during the rehydration phase of sample preparation. Cooked muscle tissue appeared to be significantly different from raw tissue with skeletal muscle showing fiber fragmentation and slight granulation. Connective tissue appeared merged, less dense, and stained unevenly. Little difference was found between cooked and freeze-dried tissue. Papain appeared to attack and break down connective tissue and, to a certain extent, it acted on the muscle fibers producing more granulation than in the treated cooked samples. Connective tissue was affected by Rhozyme to a much less degree than by papain. However, muscle fibers in the Rhozyme tended to show more granulation than in papain treated samples. Chicken meat was found to be less resistant to enzyme attack than beef and pork. It was necessary, therefore, to lower enzyme concentration below those reported for similar experiments with these two meats.

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

EFFECT OF CHILLING TURKEY CARCASSES IN POLYPHOSPHATE SOLUTIONS J. V. SPENCER, M. H. GEORGE, K. N. HALL AND L. D. RASPLICKA

Washington State University, Pullman, Wash. Turkey carcasses were chilled in a 6% and 12% polyphosphate* solution with and without the skin slashed, and determinations of moisture uptake, cooking loss, tenderness, oxidative deterioration, and taste panel preference were made. For young torn turkeys, moisture uptake during chilling in 6% polyphosphate was 3.72% as compared to 4.14% for water chilling. Using mature turkeys, moisture uptake was 3.71% for water, 2.62% for 6% polyphosphate, and 1.06% for 12% polyphosphate chilled carcasses. When the skin was slashed before chilling, moisture uptake for carcasses chilled in 6% polyphosphate was 6.07% when the skin was slashed and 3.48% for nonslashed. Chilling in polyphosphate solution had no consistent effect on cooking loss. The shear values (lbs./cm. 2 ) of mature turkey meat were 3.85 for water, 2.01 for 6%, and 2.43 for 12% polyphosphate chilled carcasses. Oxidative deterioration of cooked meat was reduced initially and after one, three, and six months storage at 0°F. Taste panel preference test results followed a pattern similar to oxidative deterioration. * "Kena," Hagen Chemicals & Controls, Pittsburgh, Pa.

CONCURRENT SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM AND E1MER1A NECATRIX INFECTIONS IN CHICKS J. F. STEPHENS, B. D. BARNETT AND D. F. HOLTMAN*

Clemson Agricultural College, Clemson, S.C. Studies were conducted to determine the effects of concurrent Salmonella typhimurium-Eimeria necatrix infections upon young broiler-type chickens. Chickens individually infected with 48,000 or 75,000 sporulated E. necatrix oocysts were given standardized suspensions of S. typhimurium cells on the day of coccidial infection and 3 and 6 days thereafter. Both microorganisms were administered per os. All chicks were weighed and sacrificed twelve days post-coccidial infection. An inoculating loop of material from the heart, liver, and spleen of each chick was cultured in trypticase soy broth, and the bacteria isolated were subsequently identified. Chickens infected with both E. necatrix and S. typhimurium gained weight less rapidly than did those infected with either the coccidium or the bacterium alone. Chicks infected with either E. necatrix or S. typhimurium alone usually gained weight less rapidly than did the noninfected control birds. S. typhimurium was recovered more frequently from the organs of chicks concurrently infected with E. necatrix than from those given the bacterium alone. Results of these studies indicate that 5. typhimurium infection more severely affects chicks concurrently infected with E. necatrix than those not having coccidiosis. E. necatrix infection appears to aid in the establishment of 5. typhimurium infection in the livers and spleens of young

chicks. * Present address: University of Tennessee, Knoxville. EFFECT OF ANTE-MORTEM ENZYME APPLICATION ON THE TENDERNESS OF TURKEYS E. J. STRANDINE AND C. H. KOONZ

Swift and Company, Chicago, III. Enzymes have been used extensively in the tenderization of meat. Historically, the enzymes have been applied directly to the surface of the cuts of meat. Recently, ProTen, Inc. has made available a process in which the enzyme is introduced into the vascular system prior to dis-

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blood vessel thickness. Diastolic blood pressure was positively correlated with heart rate and blood vessel thickness but demonstrated a negative correlation with heart weight and stroke volume. Blood vessel thickness was positively correlated with pulse pressure but negatively correlated with heart rate. Pulse pressure, heat weight and percent change in systolic blood pressure following the injection of epinephrine were all positively correlated with body weight whereas heart rate and thoracic elastance at 250 mm. Hg negatively correlated with body weight. Minute volume was positively correlated with stroke volume and negatively correlated with heart rate. Stroke volume was in negative correlation with heart rate, systolic blood pressure and blood vessel thickness. The percent change in systolic blood pressure was negatively correlated with diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, blood vessel thickness and thoracic extensibility at 250 mm. Hg.

ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

ENHANCEMENT OF CHLORTETRACYCLINE ACTIVITY AGAINST PASTEURELLA AVICIDA WITH SODIUM SULFATE E. E. STUART, R. D. K E E N U M , L. E . OUSTERHOUT AND H. W. BRUINS

The Quaker Oats Company Research Laboratories, Decatur, Ala., and Barrington, III. Nelson and Peeler (Poultry Sci. 40:1436, 1961) have reported that Na 2 S0 4 , when included in chick diets containing 1.4% Ca and 500 gm./T chlortetracycline (CTC), increased serum CTC levels 50100%. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the utility of this procedure. Efficacy was measured by the survival of chicks artificially infected with Pasteurella avicida. 1-2% Na 2 S0 4 added to feeds containing 1.0% Ca enhanced CTC activity, but the magnitude varied between experiments. 2% Na2S04 added to the basal diet produced results equivalent to diets containing 0.4% Ca. 1% Na2S04 supplementation was intermediate in effect. Increased activity was also demonstrated when 0.5-1.0% Na2S04 and CTC were added in drinking water. Chicks and hens tolerate 2% Na2SO< in the diet without effect on growth, toe ash, or egg production but fecal moisture was increased at this level.

EFFECT OF BREEDER STRAINS ON METABOLIZABLE ENERGY AND PRODUCTIVE ENERGY DETERMINATIONS M. W. STUTZ AND L. D. MATTERSON

University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn. Two Leghorn-type strains (1 and 2), and one broiler strain (3) were used in a study to determine the effect of genetic background on metabolizable energy (M.E.) and productive energy (P.E.) determinations. All three strains were fed in duplicate a semi-purified ration (Poultry Sci. 29:1166, 1960). Results of the first experiment in M.E. Calories per pound were 1521 for strain 1, 1512 for strain 2, and 1504 for strain 3. Results of the second experiment were 1511, 1501, and 1459 Calories of M.E. and 1091, 1039, and 1387 Calories of P.E. respectively. M.E. as P.E. was found to be 72, 69, and 93 percent; as heat increment 28, 31, and 7 percent; as maintenance 42, 39, and 53 percent; and as gain 30, 30, and 40 percent respectively. Essentially no differences were noted in the M.E. of the diet for the three strains. However, approximately 20 percent more of the M.E. appeared as P.E. for the broiler strain as compared with the layer strains. These genetic differences in P.E. are shown to be related to differences in utilization of energy as heat and for maintenance and gain. EFFECT OF AGE, STRAIN, DIETARY CALCIUM LEVEL AND ANTIBIOTIC REGIMEN ON T H E EGG PRODUCTION AND QUALITY FACTORS T. W. SULLIVAN, J. L. ADAMS, W. J. OWINGS AND T. L. GOODWIN

University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb. A study was conducted to ascertain the effect of feeding two levels of calcium with continuous or intermittent supplementation of oxytetracycline to hens of five commercial egg strains and of two different ages. Yearling hens forced molted and pullets beginning their first year of production were used. Calcium levels of 2.8 and 3.3 percent were fed with oxytetracycline administered continuously or intermittently for five days per 28 day production period. Egg production was calculated each 28 days, and egg weight, specific gravity, and Haugh units were determined after the fourth month of production. Age of birds, diet, and strains influenced the Haugh units of the eggs. The yearling hen group

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patching of livestock. This process permits uniform distribution of the tenderizing agent. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the ante-mortem application of the enzyme on the tenderness of turkeys. The enzyme, supplied by ProTen, Inc., was a purified papain solution. The enzyme solution was introduced into the wing vein (ulnar or humeral) or into the jugular vein immediately prior to dispatching. Turkeys were then dressed, chilled, frozen and roasted along with control birds to compare tenderness. Also, a commercial test was made in which tenderized turkeys were marketed through conventional retail trade channels. Results of the panel evaluation of roasted turkeys indicated that it was possible to obtain a satisfactory increased tenderness. The favorable influence of the tenderizing process was especially noticeable in the older breeder toms and hens.

1311

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ABSTRACTS o r

EFFECT OF PERIODICALLY DECREASING ANTIBIOTIC LEVELS ON THE BODY WEIGHT GAIN AND FEED EFFICIENCY OF TURKEYS TO 24 WEEKS OF AGE T. W. SULLIVAN, J. R. KINGAN AND W . J . OWINGS

University of Nebraska, Lincoln 3, Neb. In each of two replications, eight groups of 70 Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys (35 males and 35 females) were assigned different treatments relative to dietary antibiotic levels from 0-8 weeks, 8-16 weeks and 16-24 weeks. The eight treatments with antibiotic levels expressed in grams per ton for the respective periods as listed above were: (1) Control; (2) Penicillin-streptomycin (1:3) 30, 0, 0; (3) Penicillin-streptomycin (1:3) 30, 10, 5; (4) Penicillin-streptomycin (1:3) 30, 20, 10; (5) Zinc-bacitracin 30, 0, 0; (6) Zinc-bacitracin 30, 10, 5; (7) Zinc-bacitracin 30, 20, 10; (8) Aureomycin 30, 10, 5. Individual body weights and the feed consumption of each group were recorded at 4-week intervals throughout each replication. At 20 weeks the average body weights (lbs.) of females were 13.2, 13.1, 13.4, 13.7, 13.6, 13.6, 13.2, and 13.3, respectively, for the above treatments. Likewise, at 24 weeks the average body weights of males were 24.2, 24.8, 25.8, 25.4, 25.1, 24.7, 24.8 and 23.7. For the sexes combined feed efficiency (feed/gain) values were 3.86, 3.77, 3.71, 3.72, 3.80, 3.90, 3.79, and 3.95, respectively, for treatments 1 through 8. Antibiotic levels of 30, 10 and 5 grams /ton for the respective periods apparently gave the best overall response.

THE INFLUENCE OF PROTEIN AND ENERGY LEVEL ON PROTEIN UTILIZATION IN THE GROWING CHICKEN J. D. SUMMERS, I. R. SIBBALD AND S. J. SLINGER

Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, Ont., Canada A factorial experiment of randomized block design employing 5 levels of protein and 4 levels of energy was made in order to study the effect of energy and protein levels on protein utilization. The quality of the protein was kept constant in all diets by using soybean oil meal supplemented with methionine as the sole source of protein. Each dietary treatment comprised 4 replicate groups of 10 White Leghorn male chicks. Metabolizable energy and net protein values (N.P.V.) were determined for all treatment groups. There was a decrease in N.P.V. at all levels of energy from the lowest to the highest protein level; this decrease was more pronounced at the lower energy levels. Energy was not as effective in altering N.P.V. at the lower levels of protein as at higher protein levels. The results demonstrate the importance of considering the energy as well as the protein level of the diet in studies on protein utilization. CONSUMER ATTITUDES TOWARD CHILLED VERSUS FROZEN CHICKEN M . H . SWANSON AND J . F . RICHARDS

University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn. Attitudes, preferences, and buying habits with respect to fresh chilled and frozen chickens were studied in the Minneapolis and suburban area through a consumer survey. A random sample of 209 households was personally interviewed to obtain answers to a questionnaire developed jointly with Iowa State University and the University of California. Similar surveys have been completed in Marshalltown, Iowa, and the Los Angeles area. Although 88% of the Minnesota sample had used frozen fryers, 79% indicated a preference for the chilled over the frozen form, if price were the same for both. If price were lowered on the frozen product, an increasing proportion of those preferring fresh chilled would switch to frozen, but 22.9% of these consumers would not change regardless of the price differential.

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produced eggs averaging 77.5 Haugh units while eggs from the pullet group averaged 81.6. Eggs from birds fed 3.3% calcium plus intermittent oxytetracycline averaged 82.2 Haugh units while those from the groups fed 3.3% calcium plus continuous oxytetracycline, 2.8% calcium plus intermittent oxytetracycline, and 2.8% calcium plus continuous oxytetracycline averaged 80.8, 80.5, and 80.0 Haugh units respectively. Average Haugh units for strains were as follows: Strain; A 81.1, B 89.4, C 80.5, D 77.0, and E 79.2. Analysis indicated that specific gravity was influenced by age of birds only. Production was suppressed when 3.3% calcium plus intermittent administration of oxytetracycline was given. The trend was toward higher Haugh units as production declined.

PAPERS

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ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS The reasons given for preferring the unfrozen form centered primarily around the factors of flavor, freshness, and convenience. Frozen poultry apparently does not carry the image of freshness, associated with the chilled form. The quality of freshness was considered "very important" or "important" in purchasing poultry by nearly 100% of the sample. This pronounced prejudice against the frozen form was not general for all foods, since 7 1 % felt that "frozen foods" were as high in quality and nutritional value as fresh and processed foods.

F. R. TARVER, JR.

University

of Florida, Gainesville, Via. AND

K. N. MAY University of Georgia, Athens, Ga. Laboratory broilers (100 straight run) were slaughtered by the Kosher, electrical stun, brain stick and outside cut methods at 56 to 72 days of age. Air sac samples were obtained prior to scalding, immediately following a 120 second immersion scald (49°C.) and after one and two weeks of refrigerated storage (3.6°C). The commercially slaughtered broilers (199 straight run) were removed from a continuously moving conveyor line at the scald tank entrance, and exit and prior to online evisceration. Air sac samples were obtained prior to scalding, after scalding, after evisceration and after one and two weeks of refrigerated storage. Air sac samples were obtained by a saline flush technique. The unscalded broilers had lower bacterial counts per air sac than the scalded broilers. Bacterial counts per air sac were lowest when the broilers were slaughtered by the Kosher method while the higher counts were observed in air sacs of broilers slaughtered by the outside cut method. Air sacs sampled immediately after scalding were lower in bacterial count than those sampled after one and two weeks of refrigerated storage. The air sacs of normal broilers are relatively free of microorganisms.

PAUL THOMPSON, MORLEY R. KARE AND G. MATRONE

North Carolina State College, Raleigh,

N.C.

An experiment was conducted using day-old Vantress cross male chicks to determine if they were capable of correcting a specific mineral deficient in a choice situation. Diets were standard in all respects except that some were deficient in phosphorus. The chicks during an eighteen day period were presented with a two choice situation with regard to their fluid. Included as an alternative to distilled water were phosphoric acid and various phosphorus salt solutions. The deficient birds tended to correct their phosphorus deficiency, when the phosphoric acid solution was available. This was not the case, however, with the salt solutions. The nutrition wisdom manifested itself both by a more accurate choice and an increase in total fluid intake. THE MERITS OF A STUDENT-INDUSTRY BROILER TEST D. TINDELL AND D. R. MORRIS

University of Georgia, Athens, Ga. The annual "Chicken of Tomorrow Contest" (COTC) conducted by the Poultry Science Club at the University of Georgia was revised this year to a research oriented "Student-Industry Broiler Test." Instead of comparing the performance of different commercial broiler stocks, as has been done in previous years, a test was conducted on a problem of current interest to poultrymen. The problem selected was the "effect of hatching egg weight on subsequent broiler performance." In changing to this type of test it was believed that several objectives could be achieved from the student point of view (1) close cooperation between students and people in industry, (2) provide information of greater value to the poultry industry of Georgia, (3) students are introduced to research methods and procedures and the reporting of subsequent results, (4) students obtain practical experience in the incubation and hatching of eggs and the management of broilers during the grow-out phase. Four egg weight groups (18-19, 20-21, 22-23 and 24-25 oz./doz.) were obtained from each of ten hatcheries. Four thousand chicks were grown in one house having ten 20' X 20' pens. Proportionate numbers of each stock and sex were present

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EFFECT OF SLAUGHTER TECHNIQUE, IMMERSION SCALD AND REFRIGERATED STORAGE ON BACTERIAL COUNTS OF POULTRY AIR SACS

INHERENT ABILITY TO CORRECT A MINERAL DEFICIENCY

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

in both the intermingled pens (2) and separate pens (8). MULTIPLE RATIONS FOR GROWING TURKEYS S. P. TOUCHBURN, V. D.

CHAMBERLIN,

M. G. MCCARTNEY AND E. C. NABER

Ohio Agricultural Experiment Wooster, Ohio

Station,

UNIDENTIFIED REPRODUCTIVE AND PROGENY GROWTH FACTORS IN TURKEY NUTRITION S. P. TOUCHBURN, V. D. CHAMBERLIN, M. G. MCCARTNEY AND E. C NABER

Ohio Agricultural Experiment Wooster, Ohio

Station,

Experiments of the last 4 years using a simplified corn-soybean meal ration have shown that unindentified dietary factor supplements are required by turkeys for maximum egg production, hatchability and early growth of progeny. That more than one factor may be involved and that interactions between rearing and housing condi-

THE EFFECT OF TIME AND OF DIET UPON THE DISTRIBUTION OF INJECTED ZN65 IN LAYING HENS D. E. TURK

Clemson College, Clemson, S.C. Laying hens that had been fed semi-purified diets containing either casein or isolated soybean protein or a natural diet for the previous nine months were injected intravenously with 100u.c. of aqueous Zn05Cl2. One bird from each dietary treatment was sacrified at 6 hrs., 24 hrs. and one week post injection. Tissue samples were taken and radioactivities determined. Birds fed casein diets with a low zinc content had higher Zn65 activity in all tissues than birds fed a comparable diet with a higher zinc content. In all cases, liver and kidneys from zinc deficient birds had higher activities than those from zinc supplemented birds, but other tissues from soybean protein fed birds showed no consistent pattern. Differences due to diet tended to diminish with increasing time after dosing with Zn6!. The radioactivity of muscles, skin, brain and egg yolk increased with increasing time post injection; activity of plasma decreased; intestine increased, then decreased; and other tissues showed no consistent trends. Ratios of plasma activity to red cell activity reversed during the 7 day period. Relative tissue activities varied with diet and with time. Liver, kidney, bone, and spleen were

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An experiment was designed to study the importance of frequent changes in ration composition to more closely meet the changing nutrient requirements of the growing turkey. In 1961 5 strains of BBB turkeys were reared intermingled, each pen containing 5 birds of each strain. Treatments were replicated in 3 houses. Sexes were reared separately. Experimental treatments were: (1) 3-rations: 28, 20, 16% protein for 8-week intervals, (2) 4-rations: 29, 23, 18, 15% protein for 6-week intervals, (3) 6-rations: 29, 25, 21, 18, 16, 14% protein for 4-week intervals. Ration adjustments for females occurred 1 and 2 weeks ahead of that of males. In 1962, treatments included the 3 - and 6-ration system and a free choice concentrate plus corn system. Four strains were represented. Weight gain differences were highly significant among strains and between sexes. Strain X system and strain X system X sex interactions were highly significant. Thus, in 1961 the 6-ration system was superior to the others for the males of the fastest growing strain but inferior for the males of the slowest growing strain. The female strain responses were different from those of the males. The free choice system was significantly poorer because the birds did not consume sufficient corn.

tions and rations are important is also demonstrated by the fact that a combination of conditions provided the greatest differences. Thus, the maximum performance was obtained with range reared birds fed the complete (unidentified factor supplemented) ration during the growing and laying periods and housed on litter floors for the reproductive season. At the other extreme, poorest performance was obtained with birds reared in confinement on raised wooden slat floors, fed the simplified growing and laying rations and housed in slat floor pens or wire cages during the laying season. Addition of 2.5% fish meal plus %% dried fish solubles to the corn-soy breeder ration slightly increased egg production and tended to improve poult growth. Supplementation with 5% alfalfa meal also improved poult weights slightly but did not improve egg production. Neither supplement added singly had any significant effect on hatchability.

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ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS very active, muscles, skin, brain and egg shells were nearly inactive, other tissues were intermediate. AN ELECTRICAL METHOD FOR THE SURGICAL DEVOICING OF POULTRY H. P. VAN KREY AND F . X. OGASAWARA

University of California, Davis, Calif.

INTERRELATION BETWEEN DIETARY CALCIUM, PHOSPHORUS AND IRON FOR T H E CHICK D. G. WADDELL AND J. L. SELL

University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man., Canada Two experiments were conducted utilizing a semi-purified ration in which the major ingredients were corn starch, dextrose and died egg white. Broiler type chicks were used in both experiments. In experiment 1, a complete factorial arrangement of 6 ration treatments was used. The levels of iron (Fe) and phosphorus (P) studied were: 13, 26 and 39; and 0.30 and 1.0% respectively. In experiment 2, the following levels of iron, phosphorus and calcium (Ca) were tested: 16, 36, 56, 76 and 96 p.p.m.; 0.10, 0.35, 0.60, 0.85 and 1.10%; and 0.20, 0.60, 1.0, 1.4 and 1.8%, respectively. A 3 dimensional, central composite design was used to assign the ration treatments. In both experiments, weight gain up to 3 weeks of age proved to be a relatively poor criterion for iron status as compared to hemoglobin concentration (Hb). Both Fe and P exerted significant (P < 0.05) main effects on Hb in experiment 1. At each level of dietary Fe, 1% P reduced Hb.

INFLUENCE OF DIETARY BETA-AMINOPROPIONITRILE-FUMARATE (BAPN) ON GROWTH MORTALITY, AND PLASMA AMINO ACID AND BAPN LEVELS IN THE TURKEY 1 P. E. WAIBEL, H. G. LOVELADY AND I. E. LIENER

University of Minnesota, St. Paul 1, Minn. Broad White male turkeys were equitably distributed into experimental lots at six weeks of age. The following levels of BAPN were fed in a corn-soybean meal type diet containing 0 or 15% fish meal: 0, .03, .075, .1875, .468, 1.17, and 2.93%. The study was for 10 days duration. Growth rate was reduced when 0.075% BAPN or above was administered, the severity being directly related to dose. Dissecting aneurysm occurred when 0.075% or 0.1875% or more BAPN was added to the fish meal-containing or the corn-soybean meal diets, respectively. Blood plasma amino acids and BAPN were determined by ion-exchange chromatography. Increasing dietary BAPN concentration resulted in decreased plasma proline and alanine and increased valine, isoleucine and leucine. Plasma BAPN could be measured with dietary levels of 0.075% BAPN and above. 1 Published as Paper No. 5100, Scientific Journal Series of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station. Supported by grant H-4177 from National Heart Institue, P.H.S.

UTILIZATION OF PHYTIN PHOSPHORUS AS INFLUENCED BY SOURCE, CALCIUMPHOSPHORUS RATIOS, VITAMIN D 3 LEVEL, AND SUPPLEMENTAL ZINC P. W. WALDROTJP, J. E. STEARNS, C. B. AMMERMAN AND R. H. HARMS

Florida Agricultural Experiment Gainesville, Fla.

Stations,

The major portion of the phosphorus in cereal grains and plant materials is in the form of phytic

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A simple rapid technique has been developed for devoicing guinea fowl which utilizes a cauterizing electrode of special construction for this purpose. The electrode is inserted through the glottis and passed down the trachea of an immobilized bird until it rests lightly against the surface of the osteum syringium centralis bone (known also as the os traversale or pessulus) located at the bifurcation of the bronchi. With the electrode in position a combined cutting and coagulating current is applied to the area for three seconds. The electrode is then quickly withdrawn. There were 39 successful operations involving 41 birds . . . 17 males and 24 females; no postoperative trauma was evident. The successfully operated birds are not completely mute but emit a sound of very low audibility.

Cytochrome c content of heart tissue failed to indicate any consistent trend related to Fe or P treatments. In experiment 2, an increase in dietary P, when Ca and Fe were held constant, resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in Hb. Simultaneously, added P caused a reduction in the percent of dietary Fe retained. An increase in ration Ca, at a given P level, also reduced Hb when the rations contained 56 p.p.m. or less of Fe but exerted little influence on Fe retention.

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ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS

STUDIES ON THE INTERRELATIONSHIP OF VITAMIN D 3 AND PROTEIN WITH CALCIUM IN THE DIET OF LAYING HENS B. M. WALSH, J. R. KINGAN AND T. W.

SULLIVAN

University of Nebraska, Lincoln 3, Neb. An experiment of 44 weeks duration with S.C. White Leghorn hens involved the following variables: vitamin D 3 levels of 150, 300, 450 and 600 I. C. units/lb.; calcium levels of 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 percent. One group was of 15 hens, maintained in single-bird cages, was assigned to each of the 16 treatments. Percent hen-day egg production rates for the above listed vitamin D 3 levels were, respectively, 67.8, 65.8, 68.9 and 67.8; likewise, the egg specific gravity values were 1.078, 1.077, 1.078 and 1.078. Percent hen-day egg production rates for the calcium levels were, respectively, 65.5, 69.8, 69.1 and 65.8; likewise, the specific gravity values were 1.075, 1.077, 1.078 and 1.080. Levels of 2.5 percent calcium and 150 I. C. units of D 3 /lb. were adequate for egg production. Egg specific gravity increased as calcium level was increased; the same was not true with vitamin D 3 . The interaction between calcium and vitamin D 3 was not significant (P < .01). After 12 weeks of a 3 X 3 factorial experi-

ment involving protein levels of 13, 15 and 17 percent, and calcium levels of 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 percent, data indicate the following: As the level of protein increased egg production and egg weight increased, but egg specific gravity was unaffected. As the calcium level increased, specific gravity increased. There was no significant interaction between protein and calcium relative to any of the response criteria. EVIDENCE FOR GENETIC INFLUENCE ON RATE OF EGG WEIGHT INCREASE MARGRITH WEHRLI AND A. W. NORDSKOG

Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa Data from four years (1959-1962) of the Iowa Multiple Unit Poultry Tests were analyzed for factors affecting increase in egg weight from 210 to 300 days of age. Each year's average egg weight increased at a uniform rate within this period. Covariance analysis of 300 day egg weight adjusted for 210 day egg weight gave the following results. Variation arising from strain differences (i.e. genetic effect) was significant at the .01 level in 2 of the 4 years. Farm differences (i.e. environmental effect) were highly significant in each of the four years. Farm X strain interactions were not significant. Parent flock effects measured only in 1959 and 1960 were statistically significant. Strain effects accounted for 0 to 2 1 % of the total variation in adjusted 300 day egg weight whereas farm effects accounted for 30.2 to 60.8% of the total variation. Phenotypic correlations of egg weight measured at 210 days and at 300 days varied from .05 to .46 and genotypic correlations from .94 to 1.05. This suggests that the same set of genes is operative on egg weight at 300 days as at 210 days. The over-all results indicate egg weight increase from 210 days to 300 days of age is largely environmental in nature, although there is some evidence for a genetic basis. A SUCCESSFUL METHOD OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION IN JAPANESE QUAIL (C. COTURNIX JAPON1CA) B. C. WENTWORTH AND W. J. MELLEN

University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Mass. The Japanese quail is gaining widespread favor as a pilot animal among investigators in avian genetics, nutrition, and physiology. We hoped to use this species for certain fertility studies involving artificial insemination, but found that the

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acid and its salts. Lowe et al. (1939) and Gillis et al. (1949) reported this phosphorus to be completely unavailable to the chick, while Heuser et al. (1943) and McGinnis et al. (1944) suggested limited availability of phosphorus from these sources. Work by Harms et al. (1962) indicated that phytic acid is highly available for growth and bone calcification. Four experiments were conducted to determine the effect of different sources of phytin phosphorus (phytic acid, calcium phyate, and sodium phytate), various calcium-phosphorus ratios (0.8:1 to 2:1), high levels of vitamin D3, and supplemental zinc on the utilization of phytin phosphorus for growth and bone calcification of broiler type chicks from 0-4 weeks of age. Results of these experiments indicate that the phosphorus in phytic acid is highly available, less available in sodium phytate, and essentially unavailable in calcium phytate. Availability of all sources was decreased as the Ca: P ratio widened. High levels of vitamin D 3 tended to increase the availability of the phosphorus in the phytin sources, while supplemental zinc had little effect.

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ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS

EFFECTS OF SPERMATOZOAL ANTIBODIES AND METHOD OF INSEMINATION ON THE FECUNDITY OF WHITE LEGHORN FEMALES B. C. WENTWORTH AND W. J. M E I X E N

University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Mass. Two reports have established that antibodies against spermatozoa are formed in domestic hens, but a basic conflict exists concerning the detrimental effects these antibodies may have on fertility. In preliminary work in this laboratory it was noted that hens mated naturally had higher serum antispermatozoa titers than unmated hens of the same age. In the present study, Cornell random-bred White Leghorn pullets inseminated weekly by the intravaginal, intrauterine, and intraperitoneal methods showed a significant increase in anti-spermatozoa titer as compared to virgin controls. The serum titer was the same whether tested with antigen (soluble protein extract of washed sperm cells) prepared from the same males used for insemination or from other males. The log u of the reciprocal of serum titer was correlated significantly and negatively with duration of fertility following a single insemination. Pullets inseminated intraperitoneally laid at a rate of 4 1 % over a 60-day period as compared to intravaginally-inseminated pullets, which laid at the significantly higher rate of 68%. Fertile eggs from the pullets inseminated intraperitoneally ex-

hibited a high instance of embryonic mortality, 21%, after 7 days of incubation; whereas the 7day mortality in eggs from pullets inseminated by the intravaginal and intrauterine routes was only 5%. This embryonic mortality was not related to serum anti-spermatozoa titer.

THE APPLICATION OF BUSINESS PRINCIPLES TO 4-H POULTRY PROGRAMS R. LEWIS WESLEY

Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, Va. 4-H poultry work has declined markedly in recent years. In Virginia this decline has been from 5,000 in 1954 to 1,200 in 1961. Some measures taken to halt this trend appear to have been partially successful, enrollment in 1962 was 1,700. Since our youth are becoming mostly urban or suburban, and therefore do not have production facilities, we must reorganize our 4-H poultry programs to include a study of all segments of poultry—production, processing and packaging, marketing and consumer promotion. There are certain business principles involved in poultry project work that will provide beneficial training for any career. Since many of the 4-H club members who carry poultry projects, if they do not require the raising of live poultry, have practically no knowledge of poultry at all, the introductory phase of "4-H Poultry Business Projects" will necessarily have to be designed to provide these non-farm youth with a background of poultry knowledge. A series of nine club meetings designed to do just this will be outlined. Three advanced projects designed to teach production, processing and packaging, and marketing of commercial eggs, commercial broilers, and commercial turkeys will be presented.

HYPERCHOLESTEREMIA IN CHICKS INJECTED WITH p-ESTRADIOL C. H.

WHITESIDE, H.

B. FLUCKIGER, J.

J.

BARBORIAK AND H. P. SARETT

Mead Johnson Research Center, Evansville,

lnd.

Experiments were conducted to study the development of hypercholesteremia in 7-day-old White Leghorn cockerels injected with P-estradiol (estradiol-17P-cyclopentylpropionate). From 1.25 to 5 mg. P-estradiol dissolved in cottonseed oil was injected intramuscularly and controls received cottonseed oil alone. Chicks were bled for

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standard techniques used with poultry gave poor results when applied to Coturnix. Therefore, a series of experiments was conducted with the aim of developing a satisfactory method of artificial insemination in Japanese quail. This work can be summarized as follows: A modification of the method of Burrows and Quinn was used to collect semen successfully from Japenese quail males, and females were artificially inseminated by intravaginal, intraperitoneal, and intrauterine routes. Others were mated naturally. Semen from antibiotic-fed males, diluted with with quail-egg albumin containing antibiotics, and deposited in the uterus (shell gland) by means of a hypodermic needle passed through the egg contained therein, fertilized more than 75 percent of the females for a mean duration of 4.6 days. This procedure also resulted in excellent egg production and caused no mortality. In contrast, the other methods of artificial insemination resulted in much lower fertility and egg production and, in some cases, heavy mortality.

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ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

GROWTH FACTOR STUDIES WITH DRIED EGG YOLK USING JAPANESE QUAIL (COTURNIX COTURNIX JAPONIC A) A. C. WIESE, C. F. PETERSON, F. P. PARKS AND L. W. STILLWAY

University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho Considerable evidence is now available which indicates that dried egg yolk contains a factor (s) required for maximum chick growth. Studies have continued at this laboratory to improve the basal diet and response to crude factor sources and fractions thereof. During these investigations, the Coturnix (Japanese quail) has been used to evaluate growth response. The semi-purified basal diet was similar to that used for chick studies. It was composed of SO percent protein soybean meal, cerelose, mineral mix, vitamins, methionine, animal fat and penicillin. The protein content was maintained at 30 percent in both basal and supplemented diets. Quail were fed the basal diet at hatching time for 3 days and then selections made on the basis of uniform growth for various treatments. The birds were group weighed at 7 day intervals for 2 or 3 weeks. Maximum response to supplements of 7.5% dried egg yolk was usually obtained from 7 to 14 days feeding. In a total of 12 experiments, the average gain obtained with dried egg yolk over the basal diet was 9.51 percent at 10 days and 6.02 percent at 17 days of age. Quail appear to be well suited for studies concerning unidentified growth factors, especially for fractionation procedures which result in limited quantities of material.

THE EFFECTS OF INTERNAL TEMPERATURE ON CERTAIN PATHOGENIC BACTERIA IN INOCULATED TURKEY ROLLS R. J. WILKINSON, W. L. MALLMANN, T. F. IRMITER AND L. E. DAWSON

Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich. This study was conducted to determine the effects of internal temperature on survival of specific pathogenic bacteria in turkey rolls. Commercially prepared rolls were inoculated with pathogenic strains of Salmonella, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria. After inoculation, the rolls were heated to internal temperature of 60, 66, 71 and 77"C. (determined by recording potentiometer) in an institution type oven operated at 107°C. and chilled in ice water for 12 hours. After chilling, bacterial evaluations were obtained for each roll. Time-temperature data were obtained for each roll during cooking and for comparable non-inoculated rolls during cooking and cooling. Temperature at center of rolls increased a minimum of 5°C. after removal from oven and remained above removal temperature for a minimum of one-half hour. No viable Salmonella were found in rolls inoculated and cooked to temperatures of 66 °C. or higher and the most heat resistant organism used, Streptococcus, were killed at a temperature of 71°C. or higher. STUDIES OF CYSTIC RIGHT OVIDUCTS IN TWO STRAINS OF WHITE LEGHORNS J. H. WILLIAMSON

Cornell University, Ithaca,

N.Y.

Over a five-year period two comparable strains of White Leghorns differed in the frequency of death caused by cystic right oviducts, 2.48% in Strain A vs. 0.80% in Strain B. Differences among sire families were also significant. Simple surgical techniques were employed to remove the large cysts from affected hens which were then mated to males that had previously sired affected daughters. The chicks from these matings were designated Strain C. Chicks of these strains were subjected to various hormonal treatments to try to induce the early development of cysts of the right oviduct so that family selection for or against this trait could be applied in a shortened test-period of a few weeks rather than one of 10 to 18 months. Treatment with synthetic estrogens (dienestrol

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analysis of plasma lipids at various times after injection in each experiment. In these young chicks, |3-estradiol treatment produced transient maximal increases in plasma cholesterol, phospholipids, and pVa-Iipoprotein ratios, and in liver lipids, in 4 to 7 days depending on the dose of p-estradiol. In chicks fed a fatfree diet, plasma and liver lipid levels were essentially the same as those in chicks fed the stock diet. The bleeding of P-estradiol-injected cockerels every 3 to 4 days was shown to have no significant effect on the changes in plasma lipid levels. Cholestryramine or triparanol, when fed after Pestradiol injection, resulted in significantly smaller increases in plasma cholesterol levels than found in chicks given these hypocholesteremic agents. The hepatic synthesis of cholesterol from acetate1-C" as demonstrated in vitro with liver homogenates was greatly accelerated by p-estradiol.

ABSTRACTS OF P A P E R S

diacetate and diethylstilbestrol) produced cystic right oviducts in female chicks of all strains by seven days of age. Strain C was more sensitive than Strain A or B when the size of the cyst was used as the test criterion. However, the variability within strains was so great that early selection was impossible. THE INFLUENCE OF DIETARY PROTEIN LEVEL ON GROWTH RATE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF WHITE LEGHORN COCKERELS

Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, Gainesville, Fla. Eight-week old Single Comb White Leghorn cockerels which had been receiving a 21 percent protein starter diet were given grower diets containing 16.0, 9.0, 6.75 and 4.5 percent protein until they were 22 weeks old. At this time they were placed in floor pens with hens and fed ad libitum a layer diet containing 17 percent protein. Body weights were measured at various intervals during the treatment period and after 14 weeks on the layer diet. Fertility of the hens was determined two, six, 10 and 14 weeks after the cockerels were placed with the hens. Feeding of the low protein diets resulted in very small weight gains during the treatment period. After receiving the layer diet for 14 weeks body weight was approximately the same for all groups. Two weeks after the cockerels were placed with the hens, fertility was 92, 81, 48 and 6 percent from the groups which had received 16.0, 9.0, 6.75 and 4.5 percent protein, respectively. By the sixth week only the 4.5 percent group had low fertility. EXOGENOUS REGULATION OF OVIPOSITION IN CHICKENS 1 WILBOR O. WILSON, ALLEN E. WOODARD AND HANS ABPLANALP

University of California, Davis, Calif. In four separate experiments laying chickens kept in individual cages were exposed to several environmental influences at timed intervals. Time of oviposition was recorded by a mechanical and electrical system. The purpose of the experiments was to determine the extent to which time of lay could be influenced by changes in external environment. The exogenous variables included different schedules of lighting, feeding, and sound. The lighting schedule included the following

ratios (in hours) of light to dark periods—24: 0, 8:8, 15:9 and 4.4:19.6. In this latter ratio the total light hours represented 4 hours of continuous light plus 2 minutes of light every hour for 12 hours. In the feeding experiment one group of birds was fed by hand in the morning and the other group fed mechanically during the afternoon or evening. Sound was provided by a radio tuned to a 24-hour commercial station. During this experiment, done in combination with continuous light, sound was shifted from normal daylight hours to night hours. Of the variables tested, light was the most effective in shifting average time of lay. However, none of the treatments improved synchrony of lay. 1 This investigation was supported in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation—NSF G11777.

SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES IN T H E BIRD ASSOCIATED WITH CERTAIN WAVE LENGTHS OF LIGHT 1 C. M . WlNGET AND C. A. MEPHAM

Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, Ont., Canada Cellulose acetate niters (red, blue, opaque and clear) were prepared by the method of Winget et. al. (Proc. Soc. 112:412, 1963). The birds (SCWL) were placed in individual cages, with normal husbandry conditions, 14 days prior to treatment, and were observed daily throughout the experiment. The light intensity was recorded for each cage. Two experiments are reported on herein, one with sexually mature females and the other with juvenile females. The effect of the various wave lengths of light on body weight, egg production and rate of change in production, was noted. The mature female data indicate an inverse relationship between % production and illuminating energy for the first 60 days of treatment. Between treatment days 60 and 70, all light energies appear to have approximately the same effect. For the next 30 days the data suggest a direct relationship between light energy and production. The juvenile data indicate a light energy effect. The rate of increase in production is maximum in the blue-filter-treated birds, and is minimum in the opaque-treated. The blue-filter-treated birds hold peak production for the shortest period of time. 1 This work was partially supported by Canada Department of Agriculture (EMR-127).

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H. R. WILSON, P. W. WALDROUP, J. E. STEARNS AND R. H. HARMS

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ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS

EGG SHELL STRENGTH 1 C. M. WINGET, D. R. PATTIE AND G. C. ASHTON

Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, Out., Canada

1 This work was partially supported by the Canada Department of Agriculture. (EMR-140).

SOME EFFECTS OF IRON AND MAGNESIUM ADDITIONS TO MANGANESE DEFICIENT AND NORMAL DIETS H . R. WOERPEL AND S. L. B A I X O U N

Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa Experiments were designed to observe the effects in poults and chicks, of iron and magnesium additions to manganese-deficient, and normal, corn-soybean meal rations. Observations were made on growth, feed efficiency, magnesium and iron

OVULATION AND EGG FORMATION TIME IN THE BELTSVILLE SMALL WHITE TURKEY J. H. WOLEORD, R. K. RINGER AND T. H. COLEMAN

Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich. Ovulation in the Beltsville Small White turkeys used in this experiment occurred 15-30 minutes after oviposition. The beginning of deposition of shell on the egg was visably observed 11-12 hours after ovulation and the egg shell pigment was deposited during the last 2-3 hours the egg was in the uterus. From the data obtained, it is suggested that the egg was in the infundibulum 15-30 minutes, in the magnum 2J^-3 hours, in the isthmus 1-15^2 hours and in the uterus 22-24 hours.

SUPPLEMENTATION OF AMINO ACIDS TO PULLET DEVELOPER RATIONS CONTAINING DIFFERENT ENERGY LEVELS AND PROTEIN SOURCES J. D. YATES AND P. J. SCHAIBLE

Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich. Leghorn-type pullets were grown to five weeks of age on a chick starter ration. At five weeks, the birds were weighed and randomly distributed into 87 battery pens. A total of 22 experimental rations were fed to the 870 pullets from five to twelve weeks of age. Supplementations with methionine, glycine, and lysine—singly and in combinations—were made to two 16-percent protein basal rations which contained different levels

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Egg shell quality has been based upon a number of factors, for example, percentage shell weight and specific gravity of the egg. In the present investigation, the egg shell strength has been directly measured in a mechanical test by compressing the egg between flat surfaces. The load applied and the deflection of the egg under this load are measured. Load divided by deflection (i.e.stiffness) is taken as a measure of the egg shell strength. The stiffness value of an egg shell can be measured without actually breaking the shell, providing the advantage that the measurements can be repeated on any given egg, for various positions and if required, at various times. Various methods have been correlated against this measurement of egg shell stiffness proving the measurement to be a reliable index. For example : (1) Specific gravity, (2) Percent shell. Further correlation of breakages in grading against egg shell stiffness measurements show that this means of measuring egg shell quality is useful commercially. This method of mean shell stiffness has been found to be most useful in evaluating the effect of various parameters on shell quality. For example, birds treated with certain synthetic steroids have shown an increase in shell stiffness by as much as 28 percent, whereas, only slight changes have been observed when shell quality has been evaluated by other methods (specific gravity and percent shell).

levels of blood, bone ash, bone magnesium levels and histology of bones. No consistent effect of added magnesium or iron was observed when the diet contained adequate manganese. However, magnesium at 1000 or 2000 mg. per pound intensified the growthdepression caused by manganese-deficient diets. Added iron, up to 200 mg. per pound, appeared to have no effect on growth and feed efficiency. Iron levels of blood were variable and were not significantly affected by dietary iron additions. However, male poults had consistently lower blood iron concentrations than did females. There were no significant differences in bone ash values or bone magnesium which could be attributed to increased dietary minerals. Histological studies of tibias indicated that manganese deficiency caused an increased tendency toward osteoperosis.

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ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS of energy and sources of protein. A 21-percent protein ration was used as a positive control. The ration containing the lower energy level and 16 percent protein produced significantly (P < .05) slower growth than did the higher energy ration. Apparently, some of the protein was being used for energy in the lower energy ration, thus increasing the amino acid requirements. The lower energy ration was quite bulky and the birds— even though they ate more feed—were apparently physically unable at this age to consume enough for their energy needs. Although the amino acid

content of the two rations was similar, chicks receiving the lower energy ration responded to supplementations of methionine, either alone or in combinations, while chicks on the higher energy ration showed no response to the supplements. Lysine or glycine were not beneficial to either of the rations. None of the 16 percent protein rations produced feed efficiency as good as that produced by the 21 percent ration. Thus, the response obtained from amino acid supplementations depends not only on the protein but also on the adequacy of energy.

(Continued from page 1250) rence M. Gould is President-elect, H. Bentley Glass and Walter O. Roberts were elected Members of the Board of Directors, and Theodore C. Byerly, Martin Pomerantz and Kenneth C. Spengler were elected Members of the Committee on Council Affairs. The Poultry Science Association co-sponsored the program of Section O, Agriculture. The program consisted of a five-part symposium: Food Quality as Affected by Production Practices and Processing. It was arranged by George W. Irving, Jr., U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. The five parts dealt with Fruits and Vegetables, Cereals, Dairy Products, Poultry and Eggs, and Meats. Part IV, Poultry and Eggs, was presided over by A. W. Brant, Professor of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis. Four papers were presented in Part IV: 1. Evaluation and Measurement of Quality of Poultry and Eggs, by 0. J. Cotterill, Assistant Professor of Poultry Husbandry, University of Missouri. 2. Genetic and Environmental Factors Influencing Poultry, Meat and Eggs, by W. J. Stadelman, Professor of Poultry Science, Purdue University. 3. Protection of Product Quality Through Management Practices, by B. S. Pomeroy, Professor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota. 4. Effects of Processing Factors on Quality of Poultry and Eggs, by C. H. Koonz, Associate Director of Research, Swift and Company, Chicago, Illinois.

OREGON NOTES Charles M. Fischer, Extension Poultry Marketing Specialist, Oregon State University, has been named the 1962 recipient of the Hamilton-LyonsMitchell Award for outstanding service to the Oregon turkey industry. He received the award at a Pacific Coast Turkey Exhibit meeting at McMinnville. The presentation was made by Noel L. Bennion, Extension Poultry Specialist at Oregon State University, who received a plaque commemorating the fact that he was given the Award in 1960, the last time it was awarded. In 1947 Fischer conducted the first research project in the United States on marketing turkey meat in halves, quarters, and pieces. In 1950 a second project developed a method to move large quantities of turkey through retail outlets in the form of pieces for ready consumption. He conducted a survey in 1960 to examine methods of displaying turkeys in retail outlets and to obtain suggestions for improving such displays and increasing sales. For the past two years, Fischer has worked closely with processors on the development, marketing, and merchandising of boneless turkey. He recently completed a market test of this product at the retail level, in cooperation with Miss Zelma Reigle, Extension Consumer Food Marketing Specialist at Oregon State University. He has served on the Marketing Committee of the Oregon Turkey Improvement Association, assisting the industry with its four promotional programs each year. He also writes the Marketing Tips and Topics column in Turkey World.

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