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The Effect of Humidity and Flooring Type on the Moisture Content of Broiler Excrements1
RIBOFLAVIN AND VITAMIN B12 IN EGGS
Nutrition, 22: 483H189. Stamberg, O. E., and C. F. Peterson, 1946. Riboflavin and thiamine loss in cooking eggs. J. Amer. Dietetic Assn. 22: 315-317. Stamberg, O. E., C. F. Peterson and C. E. Lampman, 1946a. Ratio of riboflavin in yolks and whites of eggs. Poultry Sci. 25: 327-329. Taylor, L. W., 1960. Influence of inheritance and age of hen upon initial egg quality. Poultry Sci. 39:144-150. Teeri, A. E., P. M. Gannis and R. C. Ringrose, 1959. The B-vitamin content of eggs as influenced by antibiotics in the laying ration. Poultry Sci. 38: 360-362.
The Effect of Humidity and Flooring Type on the Moisture Content of Broiler Excrements1 R. A. PETERSON, M. A. HELLICKSON, 2 W. D. WAGNER AND A. D. LONGHOUSE Divisions of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and Resource Management, "Agriculture Engineering", West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506 (Received for publication October 5, 1969)
T
HE variations in moisture level of poultry excreta were recently reviewed by Johnson and Mountney (1969). However, little information is available as to the effects of various types of flooring on the moisture content of excreta. The following experiments were conducted in part to determine the effect of humidity and flooring type on the moisture content of excreta from broilers. EXPERIMENTAL METHODS
Two experiments using broiler type chicks and fed a high energy ration were conducted in four controlled 1.8X2.4X 2.4 m. environmental chambers. Each environmental chamber contained six 1 Published with the approval of the West Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station as Scientific Paper No. 1107. 2 Present address; Department of Agricultural Engineering, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota.
45.7X45.7X91.4 cm. wire cages. Within each chamber the cages were located at three levels with two cages per level. Relative humidity (RH) was measured and maintained with hair element humidistats and pneumatically controlled dry steam humidifiers. Air entered each chamber through perforations in two of the side walls. The tiers of cages in each chamber were located adjacent to one of these walls. Airflow, measured with a vane aerometer, averaged 49 cu. m. per min. at the entrance of the exhaust duct (15.2 cm. in diameter) in each chamber, however, airflow through the perforations in the side walls was too slow to be measured with the vane aerometer. Excreta were collected in 10.2 cm. deep galvanized pans located, beneath each cage. Mean chamber temperatures were set at 31°C. at the start of each experiment, then gradually lowered to 21°C.
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at University of Southern Queensland on June 18, 2015
from New Hampshire and White Leghorn hens fed diets containing fish or dried whale solubles. Poultry Sci. 34: 1106-1111. Peterson, W. J., R. S. Dearstyne, R. E. Comstock and V. Weldon, 1945. Fluormetric determination of riboflavin in eggs. Industrial Engineering Chemistry, Anal. Ed. 17: 370-371. Romanoff, A. L., and A. J. Romanoff, 1949. The Avian Egg. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, New York. Snedecor, G. W., 1956. Statistical Methods. 5th ed. Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa. Snell, E. E., and E. Quarles, 1941. The effect of incubation on the vitamin content of eggs. J.
439
440
B
P E T E R S O N , H E L L I C K S O N , W A G N E R AND LONGHOUSE
^
.
over a four week period. T h e temperature was maintained a t 21°C. for the remaining four weeks in each experiment. Water was supplied via H a r t cups for the entire test period. T h e birds were fed ad libitum. I n both experiments the birds were maintained a t 522 sq. cm. per bird. T h e birds were maintained on a 24 hr. light regime with the light intensity set at 0.5 foot candles. T h e following floor types were used, (1) 2.5 cm. by 2.5 cm. welded wire (2) 1.3 cm. b y 2.5 cm. welded wire and (3) 1.9 cm. flat wooden slats spaced 0.6 cm. apart (Figure 1). T h e experimental design was as follows; two R H ranges were set u p as the main t r e a t m e n t plots with two chambers randomly assigned to the low R H level and two to the high level. Four replications of each floor were placed in each main plot. Each level was considered as a subplot. Since three floors were to be tested, b u t
only two at each level, the floors were balanced throughout the chambers with two opposites at each level. Thus, the floors were considered as incomplete blocks within each level. Excepting, in experiment 1 similar floors were arbitrarily assigned to each level. D a t a were analyzed by an analysis of variance. I n experiment 1 the high R H chambers were maintained at an average of 6 5 % and the low R H chambers a t 3 5 % for the entire period. Four (4) females and 4 males were assigned to each floor. Samples to be analyzed were taken from excreta collected only during the final 3 weeks of this experiment. Excreta were collected from the same arbitrarily selected area in each pan, placed in an open petri dish, weighed, dried in a forced air drying oven a t 70°C. for a 36 hr. period and reweighed. Only male broilers were used in experiment 2. Relative humidity (RH) after the first 2.5 weeks was maintained at
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at University of Southern Queensland on June 18, 2015
FIG. 1. Design of flat slat wood flooring used in both experiments 1 and 2. A. 1.9 cm. flat surface. B. 0.6 cm. spacing.
441
MOISTURE CONTENT OF BROILER EXCRETA
approximately 80% for the remainder of the period in the high RH group. Samples of excreta were collected when the pans were cleaned at the end of the 6th week and again at the end of the 8th week and dried as previously described. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Floors
Humidity
Percent excreta moisture 1
1.9 cm. wooden slates 1.3X2.5 cm. welded wire 2.5X2.5 cm. welded wire
33% 33% 33%
2.9 + 0.5 a2 24.8 + 3 . 7 b 26.9±3.7b
1.9 cm. wooden slats 1.3X2.5 cm. welded wire 2.5X2.5 cm. welded wire
65% 65% 65%
8.9+ 2.8c 29.9±6.0d 29.9 + 2 . 4 d
1 An average of 4 replications of each floor with 4 males and 4 females per replication. 2 Values having the same letters are not significantly different at the P < .01 level of probability.
moisture content of excreta (22.9%) from the high RH chambers, Table 1. No significant interactions were observed between cage level, humidity and flooring. In experiment 2 the first set of excreta moisture data were taken at the end of the first 6 weeks of the trial. This was due to the limited capacity of the dropping pans. During this period, RH gradually increased from 35% to 50% in the low RH chamber. Excreta moisture in the chambers under the slat floors (9.8 + 6.2%) as seen in Table 2 was significantly lower (P<.01) than that found under either the 1.3X2.5 cm. wire floor (24.5+1.7%) or the 2.5X2.5 cm. wire floor (29.8 + 5.2%).
TABLE 2.—Average moisture content of excreta from male broilers through 6 weeks and 7 to 8 weeks of age for three types of flooring with 4 replications of each floor in two environmental chambers1 Floors
Humidity
Percent excreta moisture at 6 weeks
Humidity
Percent excreta moisture at 8 weeks
1.9 cm. wooden slats 1.3X2.5 cm. welded wire 2.5X2.5 cm. welded wire
50% 2 50% 2
9 . 8 + 6 . 2 a3 24.5+1.7b 29.8 + 5 . 2 b
58% 58% 58%
13.3 + 2.4 a3 40.8+4.9 b 40.7±7.6b
16.5+1.7a 40.5 + 1.3b 40.5 + 7.4 b
80% 80% 80%
18.0 + 5 . 6 a 38.3 + 5.1 b 38.8+5.9b
1.9 cm. wooden slats 1.3X2.5 cm. welded wire 2.5X2.5 cm. welded wire 1
80% 80%
8 birds per replication. These chambers were initially set at 35% RH, however, due to a limited air drying capacity the R H gradually increased as outside temperatures increased and the chamber temperatures were lowered. 3 Values having the same letters are not significantly different at the P < . 0 1 level of probability. 2
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at University of Southern Queensland on June 18, 2015
In the low RH chambers, experiment 1, the average moisture content (2.9 + 0.5%) of the excreta under the slat floors was significantly (P<.01) less than that for either the 1.3X2.5 cm. wire floor (24.8 + 3.7%) or the 2.5X2.5 cm. wire floor (26.9 + 3.7%). No significant differences was found between the moisture content of excreta under the two types of wire flooring (Table 1). In the high RH chambers the average moisture content of the excreta under the slat floors was 8.9 + 2.8%. As seen in Table 1 this moisture content was significantly lower (P<.01) than that found in the excreta under either the 1.3X2.5 cm. wire floor (29.9 + 6.0%) or the 2.5 X 2.5 cm. wire floor (29.9 + 2.4%). Significant differences were not observed in excreta moisture beneath the two types of wire flooring tested. The average moisture content of excreta (18.2%) in the low RH chambers was significantly lower (P<.01) than the
TABLE 1.—Average moisture content of excreta from sexed broilers at 6 to 8 weeks of age raised at two relative humidity levels on three types of flooring
442
PETERSON, HELLICKSON, WAGNER AND LONGHOUSE
in the high RH chambers. This problem was not severe enough to discontinue use of the flooring. In a later experiment the problem of excreta buildup was markedly decreased when slat flooring having a 1.3 cm. surface was used. Dowels 1.95 cm. in dia. were abandoned in a pretrial as the birds were unable to work the excreta through the space between the rounded surfaces. However, the sharp edge on each side of the slat resulting from a cut at a 45 degree angle provided a sharp breaking point as the birds work the excreta through the spaces between the slats. This design allowed for a minimum buildup of excreta between the slats. Sobel (1969) indicated that the drying rates of excreta in poultry houses could be affected by such environmental conditions as: humidity, temperature, surface area, depth, compaction, rate of air movement, breed of bird and feed. Apparently after defecation the excreta would in many cases remain on the surface of the slats. The birds in moving about the cage would mash the excreta thus increasing the surface area which would provide improved drying conditions. The above action was not seen on the wire floors. Excreta under the slat floors appeared flaky and dry when compared to those under the wire floors. Air spaces interspersed throughout the material provided and opportunity for continued drying. These data indicate that flooring shape may have an implication in the future design of waste disposal systems for poultry raised in cage systems. SUMMARY
In experiments conducted at 33, 35 to 50, 58, 65 and 80% relative humidity (RH) the average moisture content was significantly (P<.01) less in excreta collected under 1.9 cm. flat slats than that
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at University of Southern Queensland on June 18, 2015
The moisture content of excreta under the slats (16.5 + 1.7%) was significantly lower (P<.01) in the high RH (80%) chambers than either that found under the 1.3X2.5 cm. wire floor (40.5 + 1.3%) or the 2.5X2.5 cm. wire floor (40.5 + 7.4%), Table 2. No significant difference in excreta moisture was observed between that found under the two types of wire flooring or the high and low RH chambers. Also, significant interactions were not observed between flooring, humidity and cage level. Excreta moisture determined for the final 2 week period of this experiment is presented in Table 2. The moisture content of excreta in the low RH chamber (58% RH) was significantly lower ( P < .01) under the slat floor (13.3 + 2.4%) than that under either the 1.3X2.5 cm. wire floor (40.8±4.9%) or the 2.5X2.5 cm. wire floor (40.7 ±7.6%). In the high RH chambers (80% RH) the moisture content of the excreta under slats (18.0±5.6%) was again significantly (P < .01) lower than the feces under either the 1.3X2.5 cm. (38.3±5.1%) or 2.5X2.5 cm. wire floor (38.8±5.9%), Table 2. Also as in the first study no significant differences were found in excreta moisture content between the high and low RH chambers. Significant interactions were not found between the effects of cage level, humidity and flooring. The two types of wire flooring were not significantly different from each other with regard to excreta moisture. In addition to a higher RH level one possible reason why the moisture content of excreta under the slats was higher in experiment 2 was that the males tended to spill more water from the watering cups than the male-female combination did in experiment 1. A partial buildup of excreta on the surface of the slat floors was noted especially
MOISTURE CONTENT OP BROILER EXCRETA ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors are indebted to Dr. D. F. Butcher, Experiment Station Statistician for help in the design of this experiment and analysis of the data. REFERENCES Johnson, T. H., and G. J. Mountney, 1969. Poultry manure production, utilization and disposal. World's Poultry Sci. J. 25: 202.217. Sobel, A. T., 1969. Removal of water from animal manures. The Animal Waste Management Conf. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, (from a mimeographed publication)
Increased Erythrocyte Fragility with Hydrogen Peroxide in Vitamin E-Deficient Chickens VERNON W. FISCHER, 1 JAMES S. NELSON 2 AND PAUL A. YOUNG 1 (Received for publication October 7, 1969)
INTRODUCTION
I
N THE course of studying vitamin E deficiency induced in chicks it became apparent that the lack of detailed information about the pathogenesis of the disorder inhibits the development of precise methods of treatment and control of the condition, impairs the understanding of the metabolic role of vitamin E, and precludes the utilization of the disease in chicks as a convenient experimental model for elucidating certain pathobiologic phenomena. An increased susceptibility to lysis in non-physiologic solutions of red blood 1
Department of Anatomy, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104. 2 Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104. This investigation was supported in part by United States Public Health Service, Grant NB 06918 and in part by National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Blindness, Grant NB 06807.
cells from mammals with subclinical vitamin E deficiency has been well substantiated in reports by Gyorgy (1949), and Horwitt et al. (1956), and others; however, the in vitro lytic susceptibility of erythrocytes from vitamin E-deficient chicks has been incompletely studied (Christensen et al., 1955). Since substantial differences exist among various vertebrate species with regard to other manifestations of avitaminosis E, a study was made of hydrogen peroxide-induced hemolysis of red cells from vitamin E-deficient chickens. The methods for testing hemolysis in mammals, however, proved unsuitable for the study of chick erythrocytes. A modification of Horwitt's hemolysis test applicable to chicken erythrocytes, and our observations on in vitro hemolysis in vitamin E-deficient chicks are described below. MATERIALS AND METHODS
The method described by Horwitt et
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at University of Southern Queensland on June 18, 2015
collected beneath either 2.5X2.5 cm. or 1.3X2.5 cm. welded wire floors. In both experiments no significant differences in moisture were found in excreta from beneath the two types of welded wire flooring. In experiment 1 the average moisture content of excreta (18.2%) in the 33% RH chambers was significantly lower (P<.01) than that fround in the excreta (22.9%) from the 65% RH chambers. This difference did not persist in experiment 2. No significant interactions were noted.
443
Nutrition, 22: 483H189. Stamberg, O. E., and C. F. Peterson, 1946. Riboflavin and thiamine loss in cooking eggs. J. Amer. Dietetic Assn. 22: 315-317. Stamberg, O. E., C. F. Peterson and C. E. Lampman, 1946a. Ratio of riboflavin in yolks and whites of eggs. Poultry Sci. 25: 327-329. Taylor, L. W., 1960. Influence of inheritance and age of hen upon initial egg quality. Poultry Sci. 39:144-150. Teeri, A. E., P. M. Gannis and R. C. Ringrose, 1959. The B-vitamin content of eggs as influenced by antibiotics in the laying ration. Poultry Sci. 38: 360-362.
The Effect of Humidity and Flooring Type on the Moisture Content of Broiler Excrements1 R. A. PETERSON, M. A. HELLICKSON, 2 W. D. WAGNER AND A. D. LONGHOUSE Divisions of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and Resource Management, "Agriculture Engineering", West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506 (Received for publication October 5, 1969)
T
HE variations in moisture level of poultry excreta were recently reviewed by Johnson and Mountney (1969). However, little information is available as to the effects of various types of flooring on the moisture content of excreta. The following experiments were conducted in part to determine the effect of humidity and flooring type on the moisture content of excreta from broilers. EXPERIMENTAL METHODS
Two experiments using broiler type chicks and fed a high energy ration were conducted in four controlled 1.8X2.4X 2.4 m. environmental chambers. Each environmental chamber contained six 1 Published with the approval of the West Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station as Scientific Paper No. 1107. 2 Present address; Department of Agricultural Engineering, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota.
45.7X45.7X91.4 cm. wire cages. Within each chamber the cages were located at three levels with two cages per level. Relative humidity (RH) was measured and maintained with hair element humidistats and pneumatically controlled dry steam humidifiers. Air entered each chamber through perforations in two of the side walls. The tiers of cages in each chamber were located adjacent to one of these walls. Airflow, measured with a vane aerometer, averaged 49 cu. m. per min. at the entrance of the exhaust duct (15.2 cm. in diameter) in each chamber, however, airflow through the perforations in the side walls was too slow to be measured with the vane aerometer. Excreta were collected in 10.2 cm. deep galvanized pans located, beneath each cage. Mean chamber temperatures were set at 31°C. at the start of each experiment, then gradually lowered to 21°C.
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at University of Southern Queensland on June 18, 2015
from New Hampshire and White Leghorn hens fed diets containing fish or dried whale solubles. Poultry Sci. 34: 1106-1111. Peterson, W. J., R. S. Dearstyne, R. E. Comstock and V. Weldon, 1945. Fluormetric determination of riboflavin in eggs. Industrial Engineering Chemistry, Anal. Ed. 17: 370-371. Romanoff, A. L., and A. J. Romanoff, 1949. The Avian Egg. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, New York. Snedecor, G. W., 1956. Statistical Methods. 5th ed. Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa. Snell, E. E., and E. Quarles, 1941. The effect of incubation on the vitamin content of eggs. J.
439
440
B
P E T E R S O N , H E L L I C K S O N , W A G N E R AND LONGHOUSE
^
.
over a four week period. T h e temperature was maintained a t 21°C. for the remaining four weeks in each experiment. Water was supplied via H a r t cups for the entire test period. T h e birds were fed ad libitum. I n both experiments the birds were maintained a t 522 sq. cm. per bird. T h e birds were maintained on a 24 hr. light regime with the light intensity set at 0.5 foot candles. T h e following floor types were used, (1) 2.5 cm. by 2.5 cm. welded wire (2) 1.3 cm. b y 2.5 cm. welded wire and (3) 1.9 cm. flat wooden slats spaced 0.6 cm. apart (Figure 1). T h e experimental design was as follows; two R H ranges were set u p as the main t r e a t m e n t plots with two chambers randomly assigned to the low R H level and two to the high level. Four replications of each floor were placed in each main plot. Each level was considered as a subplot. Since three floors were to be tested, b u t
only two at each level, the floors were balanced throughout the chambers with two opposites at each level. Thus, the floors were considered as incomplete blocks within each level. Excepting, in experiment 1 similar floors were arbitrarily assigned to each level. D a t a were analyzed by an analysis of variance. I n experiment 1 the high R H chambers were maintained at an average of 6 5 % and the low R H chambers a t 3 5 % for the entire period. Four (4) females and 4 males were assigned to each floor. Samples to be analyzed were taken from excreta collected only during the final 3 weeks of this experiment. Excreta were collected from the same arbitrarily selected area in each pan, placed in an open petri dish, weighed, dried in a forced air drying oven a t 70°C. for a 36 hr. period and reweighed. Only male broilers were used in experiment 2. Relative humidity (RH) after the first 2.5 weeks was maintained at
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at University of Southern Queensland on June 18, 2015
FIG. 1. Design of flat slat wood flooring used in both experiments 1 and 2. A. 1.9 cm. flat surface. B. 0.6 cm. spacing.
441
MOISTURE CONTENT OF BROILER EXCRETA
approximately 80% for the remainder of the period in the high RH group. Samples of excreta were collected when the pans were cleaned at the end of the 6th week and again at the end of the 8th week and dried as previously described. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Floors
Humidity
Percent excreta moisture 1
1.9 cm. wooden slates 1.3X2.5 cm. welded wire 2.5X2.5 cm. welded wire
33% 33% 33%
2.9 + 0.5 a2 24.8 + 3 . 7 b 26.9±3.7b
1.9 cm. wooden slats 1.3X2.5 cm. welded wire 2.5X2.5 cm. welded wire
65% 65% 65%
8.9+ 2.8c 29.9±6.0d 29.9 + 2 . 4 d
1 An average of 4 replications of each floor with 4 males and 4 females per replication. 2 Values having the same letters are not significantly different at the P < .01 level of probability.
moisture content of excreta (22.9%) from the high RH chambers, Table 1. No significant interactions were observed between cage level, humidity and flooring. In experiment 2 the first set of excreta moisture data were taken at the end of the first 6 weeks of the trial. This was due to the limited capacity of the dropping pans. During this period, RH gradually increased from 35% to 50% in the low RH chamber. Excreta moisture in the chambers under the slat floors (9.8 + 6.2%) as seen in Table 2 was significantly lower (P<.01) than that found under either the 1.3X2.5 cm. wire floor (24.5+1.7%) or the 2.5X2.5 cm. wire floor (29.8 + 5.2%).
TABLE 2.—Average moisture content of excreta from male broilers through 6 weeks and 7 to 8 weeks of age for three types of flooring with 4 replications of each floor in two environmental chambers1 Floors
Humidity
Percent excreta moisture at 6 weeks
Humidity
Percent excreta moisture at 8 weeks
1.9 cm. wooden slats 1.3X2.5 cm. welded wire 2.5X2.5 cm. welded wire
50% 2 50% 2
9 . 8 + 6 . 2 a3 24.5+1.7b 29.8 + 5 . 2 b
58% 58% 58%
13.3 + 2.4 a3 40.8+4.9 b 40.7±7.6b
16.5+1.7a 40.5 + 1.3b 40.5 + 7.4 b
80% 80% 80%
18.0 + 5 . 6 a 38.3 + 5.1 b 38.8+5.9b
1.9 cm. wooden slats 1.3X2.5 cm. welded wire 2.5X2.5 cm. welded wire 1
80% 80%
8 birds per replication. These chambers were initially set at 35% RH, however, due to a limited air drying capacity the R H gradually increased as outside temperatures increased and the chamber temperatures were lowered. 3 Values having the same letters are not significantly different at the P < . 0 1 level of probability. 2
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at University of Southern Queensland on June 18, 2015
In the low RH chambers, experiment 1, the average moisture content (2.9 + 0.5%) of the excreta under the slat floors was significantly (P<.01) less than that for either the 1.3X2.5 cm. wire floor (24.8 + 3.7%) or the 2.5X2.5 cm. wire floor (26.9 + 3.7%). No significant differences was found between the moisture content of excreta under the two types of wire flooring (Table 1). In the high RH chambers the average moisture content of the excreta under the slat floors was 8.9 + 2.8%. As seen in Table 1 this moisture content was significantly lower (P<.01) than that found in the excreta under either the 1.3X2.5 cm. wire floor (29.9 + 6.0%) or the 2.5 X 2.5 cm. wire floor (29.9 + 2.4%). Significant differences were not observed in excreta moisture beneath the two types of wire flooring tested. The average moisture content of excreta (18.2%) in the low RH chambers was significantly lower (P<.01) than the
TABLE 1.—Average moisture content of excreta from sexed broilers at 6 to 8 weeks of age raised at two relative humidity levels on three types of flooring
442
PETERSON, HELLICKSON, WAGNER AND LONGHOUSE
in the high RH chambers. This problem was not severe enough to discontinue use of the flooring. In a later experiment the problem of excreta buildup was markedly decreased when slat flooring having a 1.3 cm. surface was used. Dowels 1.95 cm. in dia. were abandoned in a pretrial as the birds were unable to work the excreta through the space between the rounded surfaces. However, the sharp edge on each side of the slat resulting from a cut at a 45 degree angle provided a sharp breaking point as the birds work the excreta through the spaces between the slats. This design allowed for a minimum buildup of excreta between the slats. Sobel (1969) indicated that the drying rates of excreta in poultry houses could be affected by such environmental conditions as: humidity, temperature, surface area, depth, compaction, rate of air movement, breed of bird and feed. Apparently after defecation the excreta would in many cases remain on the surface of the slats. The birds in moving about the cage would mash the excreta thus increasing the surface area which would provide improved drying conditions. The above action was not seen on the wire floors. Excreta under the slat floors appeared flaky and dry when compared to those under the wire floors. Air spaces interspersed throughout the material provided and opportunity for continued drying. These data indicate that flooring shape may have an implication in the future design of waste disposal systems for poultry raised in cage systems. SUMMARY
In experiments conducted at 33, 35 to 50, 58, 65 and 80% relative humidity (RH) the average moisture content was significantly (P<.01) less in excreta collected under 1.9 cm. flat slats than that
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at University of Southern Queensland on June 18, 2015
The moisture content of excreta under the slats (16.5 + 1.7%) was significantly lower (P<.01) in the high RH (80%) chambers than either that found under the 1.3X2.5 cm. wire floor (40.5 + 1.3%) or the 2.5X2.5 cm. wire floor (40.5 + 7.4%), Table 2. No significant difference in excreta moisture was observed between that found under the two types of wire flooring or the high and low RH chambers. Also, significant interactions were not observed between flooring, humidity and cage level. Excreta moisture determined for the final 2 week period of this experiment is presented in Table 2. The moisture content of excreta in the low RH chamber (58% RH) was significantly lower ( P < .01) under the slat floor (13.3 + 2.4%) than that under either the 1.3X2.5 cm. wire floor (40.8±4.9%) or the 2.5X2.5 cm. wire floor (40.7 ±7.6%). In the high RH chambers (80% RH) the moisture content of the excreta under slats (18.0±5.6%) was again significantly (P < .01) lower than the feces under either the 1.3X2.5 cm. (38.3±5.1%) or 2.5X2.5 cm. wire floor (38.8±5.9%), Table 2. Also as in the first study no significant differences were found in excreta moisture content between the high and low RH chambers. Significant interactions were not found between the effects of cage level, humidity and flooring. The two types of wire flooring were not significantly different from each other with regard to excreta moisture. In addition to a higher RH level one possible reason why the moisture content of excreta under the slats was higher in experiment 2 was that the males tended to spill more water from the watering cups than the male-female combination did in experiment 1. A partial buildup of excreta on the surface of the slat floors was noted especially
MOISTURE CONTENT OP BROILER EXCRETA ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors are indebted to Dr. D. F. Butcher, Experiment Station Statistician for help in the design of this experiment and analysis of the data. REFERENCES Johnson, T. H., and G. J. Mountney, 1969. Poultry manure production, utilization and disposal. World's Poultry Sci. J. 25: 202.217. Sobel, A. T., 1969. Removal of water from animal manures. The Animal Waste Management Conf. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, (from a mimeographed publication)
Increased Erythrocyte Fragility with Hydrogen Peroxide in Vitamin E-Deficient Chickens VERNON W. FISCHER, 1 JAMES S. NELSON 2 AND PAUL A. YOUNG 1 (Received for publication October 7, 1969)
INTRODUCTION
I
N THE course of studying vitamin E deficiency induced in chicks it became apparent that the lack of detailed information about the pathogenesis of the disorder inhibits the development of precise methods of treatment and control of the condition, impairs the understanding of the metabolic role of vitamin E, and precludes the utilization of the disease in chicks as a convenient experimental model for elucidating certain pathobiologic phenomena. An increased susceptibility to lysis in non-physiologic solutions of red blood 1
Department of Anatomy, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104. 2 Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104. This investigation was supported in part by United States Public Health Service, Grant NB 06918 and in part by National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Blindness, Grant NB 06807.
cells from mammals with subclinical vitamin E deficiency has been well substantiated in reports by Gyorgy (1949), and Horwitt et al. (1956), and others; however, the in vitro lytic susceptibility of erythrocytes from vitamin E-deficient chicks has been incompletely studied (Christensen et al., 1955). Since substantial differences exist among various vertebrate species with regard to other manifestations of avitaminosis E, a study was made of hydrogen peroxide-induced hemolysis of red cells from vitamin E-deficient chickens. The methods for testing hemolysis in mammals, however, proved unsuitable for the study of chick erythrocytes. A modification of Horwitt's hemolysis test applicable to chicken erythrocytes, and our observations on in vitro hemolysis in vitamin E-deficient chicks are described below. MATERIALS AND METHODS
The method described by Horwitt et
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at University of Southern Queensland on June 18, 2015
collected beneath either 2.5X2.5 cm. or 1.3X2.5 cm. welded wire floors. In both experiments no significant differences in moisture were found in excreta from beneath the two types of welded wire flooring. In experiment 1 the average moisture content of excreta (18.2%) in the 33% RH chambers was significantly lower (P<.01) than that fround in the excreta (22.9%) from the 65% RH chambers. This difference did not persist in experiment 2. No significant interactions were noted.
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