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The Effect of Hygromycin B on the Reproductive Performance of Two Breeds of Laying Hens1
The Effect of Hygromycin B on the Reproductive Performance of Two Breeds of Laying Hens 1 G. R. GRIMES AND R. E. MORENG Department of Poultry Science, Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station, Fort Collins, Colorado (Received for publication October 13, 1964)
HE utilization of various feed sup- (Delaware) with a relatively low metabolplements for the control of infection ic rate. among breeder flocks of chickens is of inPROCEDURE terest, not only in the role of a therapeutic On hundred and twenty S. C. White Legagent, but as to the secondary effects of the reproductive performance of these horn pullets, nine months of age, were breeders. In some instances beneficial housed in individual cages in a windowless, effects on the reproductive pattern, either force-ventilated cage house. These birds through egg production, fertility, or were divided into two groups of 60 birds hatchability, have been reported for anti- each, and were maintained on a 14-hour biotic supplementation (Sizemore et al., light day. They received their diets on the 1952, 1953; Mariakulandai et al, 1952; basis of the replicates of six birds each. Carlson et al., 1953; Elam et al., 1953; and They were fed from a common feed trough Lillie and Sizemore, 1954), while other within each replicate, and each bird was workers have been unable to demonstrate supplied with an individual automatic a beneficial response (Halick and Couch, drinking cup for water. In order to mini1951; Peterson et al., 1952; Lillie and Bird, mize possible position effect, every other 1952; Sunde et al., 1952; and Sizemore replicate was treated, thus providing 60 et al., 1955). The differences in the results birds in each group. Egg production, fertilof these reports may be attributed to varia- ity and hatchability data were observed tion in dietary vitamin B12 supplementa- on a group basis. The diet fed was the tion, condition of the flock, and in manage- standard Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station basal lay ration (Table 1) ment methods. In view of the fact that hygromycin B, containing 15 percent calculated protein. an antibiotic supplemented to the ration, The replicates in the treated group rehas been found to be beneficial for the con- ceived the basal diet plus 12 grams of hytrol of round worms in the domestic fowl TABLE 1.—Basal layer diet, 15% protein (Foster, 1960; and Day et al., 1961) it appeared appropriate to investigate the probPercent Ingredients 1 able effects of this substance upon the reGround corn 73.75 productive performance of breeders. A study Soybean meal (50% protein) 16.00 Dehydrated alfalfa (17% protein) 2.50 was designed, therefore, to utilize two 4.50 Ground limestone breeds, one light breed (S. C. White Leg2.75 Dicalcium phosphate Salt, iodized 0.50 horn), accepted as having a relatively 1 high metabolic rate, and a heavy breed The following additions were made per 100 1
Published with the approval of the Director of the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station as paper number S.S. 979, Journal Series.
pounds of ration: Vitamin A, 120,000 U.S.P.; vitamin D3, 33,750 I.C.U.; vitamin E, 1.8 gm.; MnSOa, 10 gm.; niacin, 1,200 mg.; Ca pantothenate, 210 mg.; vitamin B12, 0.2 mg.; riboflavin, 100 mg.; menadione, 10 mg.; choline chloride (25%), 241 gm.
748
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at Rutgers University Libraries/Technical Services on June 2, 2015
T
749
HYGROMYCIN AND REPRODUCTION
TABLE 2.—Average egg production, on a henhoused basis, of two breeds of laying hens receiving 12 grams of hygromycin B per ton of diet Production Treated
Control Number Percent Delaware S.C.White Leghorn
36.23 50.40
45.3 60.0
Number
Percent
31.96** 51.42
40.0 61.2
Significant at the 1% level of probability.
bator so that weekly settings were maintained for 12 consecutive weeks. All eggs were weighed by groups on flats prior to setting each week. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Egg production: The average egg production for the 12-week experimental period has been summarized in Table 2. Application of the t-tests to these groups revealed a highly significant (one percent level of probability) depression in egg production in the Delawares, but no significant difference among the S. C. White Leghorn groups when they received the treatment. Egg weight: Egg weight of the four groups is presented in Figure 1 for the period of the study. This graph reveals, as expected, a constant increase in egg weight. Although no statistical analysis was made on these data, it may be concluded from the graph that there were no definite changes in egg weight, although a depressing trend was noted in the treated Leghorns. One may observe, however, that the egg weight in the treated Leghorn groups was somewhat below that of the control groups, while in the Delawares there was very little difference in egg weight. It should be pointed out that no egg weight data have been reported for weekly hatch number seven due to an apparent error in the data. However, if one were to project a line from the sixth week to the eighth week, it would follow very closely the rise of the treated birds.
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at Rutgers University Libraries/Technical Services on June 2, 2015
gromycin B per ton of diet, a level considered therapeutic in roundworm control but higher than the recommended level of 8 grams per ton. This portion of the study was designed to provide a detailed and controlled measure of breeding performance at weekly intervals. All caged birds were artificially inseminated from semen collected from S. C. White Leghorn males maintained in cages. Insemination was carried out on a weekly basis using pooled semen from at least three males with a rotating pattern followed to assure random distribution of males over the complete female population. One-half of the males received hygromycin B and were mated with the females fed hygromycin B, and one-half of the males received the control diet and these males were used for insemination of the control females. Insemination was started during the first week of treatment, so that each week provided data representing progressive treatment periods. Delaware pullets approximately nine months of age, and housed in pens of 40 females and four males per pen, received the same diets as the S. C. White Leghorns. Pens 1 and 3 were the control groups, and pens 2 and 4 were the treated groups. Production from these naturalmated groups was recorded by pens. Although it was recognized that these birds would not provide a direct comparison with the caged S. C. White Leghorns, it was assumed that they would provide an indication of the reaction of heavy breed birds under conditions which would be more appropriate to the more acceptable pattern of their use under field conditions. Fertility and hatchability data were evaluated by collecting eggs on four consecutive days during each of the 12 consecutive weeks of the study. On the fifth day these eggs were set in a forced-draft incu-
750
G. R. GRIMES AND R. E. MOEENG
7
8
9
HATCH NUMBER
FIG. 1. Egg weight of two breeds of laying hens receiving hygromycin B in the diet over a 12-week period. Because of an obvious inaccuracy in the data for the seventh week, this point has been omitted.
Fertility: A graph of the fertility trends horns was depressed on the third week of of the various groups over the period of the study and did not exceed the fertility the study is presented in Figure 2. Fertil- level of the control birds thereafter. The ity is based on apparent viability of the fact that there was no effect on the Delagerm, as observed at time of candling and ware groups may provide an area of specutransfer at 19 days of incubation. There- lation as to the response between birds fore, very early deads may have been clas- maintained in cages and those maintained sified as infertiles, as eggs were not broken in floor type pens. out to determine degree of actual blastoSince egg production was not derm development. significantly depressed in the Leghorns, but Application of the t-test to the data in- was significantly depressed in the treated dicated a highly significant depression in Delaware groups, it may be hypothesized fertility among the White Leghorn birds. that the treatment was more detrimental to When the t-test was applied by hatches, the Delawares than it was to the Leghorns. four of the 12 hatches revealed a One may recall, however, that egg weight, significant depression in fertility of the as well as fertility in the Leghorns, was detreated groups. The fertility level of the pressed on the treatment, although egg Delawares, however, was not significantly production in the Leghorns was not reaffected by the treatment. It is apparent duced. The higher metabolic rate of the from this graph that fertility of the Leg- Leghorn may have made this phenomena
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at Rutgers University Libraries/Technical Services on June 2, 2015
6 WEEKLY
751
HYGROMYCIN AND REPRODUCTION
98 i V
96
94 92 90
2 8b bl
84 62
\ / \/ •
80 78 -
FERTILITY
76
O * •
74
—X O * •
CONTROL TREATED CONTROL TREATED
{ DELAWARE ) ( DELAWARE) ( LEGHORN) { LEGHORN) _1
72 6 7 8 9 WEEKLY HATCH NUMBER
10
12
FIG. 2. Fertility of eggs of two breeds of laying hens receiving hygromycin in the diet over a 12-week period.
possible in this breed, whereas it was not possible in the heavy breed. (If feed consumption data had been collected it may have revealed a difference in the actual intake of the hygromycin B on a body weight basis.) Hatchabittty of fertile eggs: The hatchability of fertile eggs is graphed on Figure 3, and provides an interesting comparison of the final ability of the two groups to produce chicks. Application of the t-test to these data revealed that hatchability of the Leghorns was not significantly depressed by the treatment. However, a small, but significant depression in hatchability of the treated groups was observed in the Delaware pens. The fact that hatchability of the Delaware groups was significantly depressed can be attributed to the lower hatchability of the eggs in hatches eight and nine.
It should be pointed out that both fertility and hatchability of fertile eggs were at a relatively high level for both breeds during this study, and that the depressing effects of the treatment may be considered of most concern among the caged Leghorns only. Since two different management methods were used in this study, one may attribute the difference in breed response in part to this factor. Metabolic differences characteristic to the breeds should also be recognized although these differences are not clearly identified by the design. Additional studies are necessary to determine if the depressing effect on fertility may be due to detrimental responses of either the male or female. Further clarification of all factors measured may be accomplished through an expansion in numbers and in scope of the study for future investigations. Since no actual roundworm infection
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at Rutgers University Libraries/Technical Services on June 2, 2015
u 88 o
7S2
G. R. GRIMES AND R. E. MOEENG
6 7 8 9 WEEKLY HATCH NUMBER
10
12
FIG. 3. Hatchability of fertility eggs of two breeds of laying hens receiving hygromycin B B in the diet over a 12-week period.
was present in the birds, the value of the bility in both breeds remained at a high therapeutic action of hygromycin B would level throughout the study, although there undoubtedly mask the apparent depres- was a significant depression in hatchability sions in reproductive characteristics ob- in the Delawares on the eighth and ninth served, so that the apparent economic weeks. Hatchability of Delawares was conevaluation of this antibiotic may be more sistently above that of the Leghorns. beneficial than the results of this investiga- Hatchability of Leghorn eggs was not tion might suggest. This hypothesis is sub- significantly altered, although egg weight stantiated by the report of Foster et al. was suppressed. (1960) in which inclusion of hygromycin ACKNOWLEDGMENTS B in the diet reduced the number of paraThis project was supported in part by a sitized birds and was accompanied by a grant-in-aid from Eli Lilly and Company, higher rate of egg production. Indianapolis and Greenfield, Indiana. The generosity of the Ray Ewing ComSUMMARY pany Division of Hoffmann-LaRoche, Inc., The fertility of caged S. C. White Legis gratefully acknowledged for supplying horns was depressed significantly when the vitamins utilized in the diets. hygromycin B was added to the basal diet at 12 grams per ton, while in Delawares maintained in floor pens no significant depression in fertility was observed. Hatcha-
REFERENCES Carlson, C. W., R. A. Wilcox, W. Kohlmeyer and D. G. Jones, 1953. The effect of penicillin
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at Rutgers University Libraries/Technical Services on June 2, 2015
* •
-X CONTROL (DELAWARE) TREATED (DELAWARE) # CONTROL(LEGHORN) • TREATED (LEGHORN)
HYGROMYCIN AND REPRODUCTION
1952. The effect of Terramycin and vitamin Bi2 on hatchability. Proc. Soc. Exptl. Biol. Med. 79: 242-244. Peterson, C. F., A. C. Wiese, R. V. Dahlstrom and C. E. Lampman, 1952. The influence of vitamin B J2 and antibiotics on hatchability. Poultry Sci. 3 1 : 129-132. Sizemore, J. R., R. J. Lillie and H. R. Bird, 1952. The influence of Aureomycin in the chick diet upon subsequent reproductive performance of laying hens. Poultry Sci. 3 1 : 935936. Sizemore, J. R., R. J. Lillie, C. A. Denton and H. R. Bird, 1953. The influence of Aureomycin in the chick diet upon subsequent reproductive performance of laying hens. Poultry Sci. 32: 618-624. Sizemore, J. R., R. J. Lillie, H. R. Bird and C. A. Denton, 1955. Further studies on the influence of Aureomycin in the chick diet upon subsequent reproductive performance of laying hens. Poultry Sci. 34: 432^134. Sunde, M. L., J. G. Halpin and W. W. Cravens, 1952. The effect of vitamin B K supplements and antibiotic feed supplements on egg production and hatchability. Poultry Sci. 3 1 : 617620.
Protein and Energy Interrelationships for Laying Hens ROBERT J. LILLIE AND C. A. DENTON U. S. Department of Agriculture' (Received for publication October 13, 1964)
P
ROTEIN X energy interrelationships for optimum reproductive performance of chickens have been discussed by Thornton and Whittet (I960), Frank and Waibel (1960), and Touchburn and Naber (1962). Considerable evidence has appeared in literature to indicate a disparity regarding protein X energy interrelationships, and Harms (1964) has attempted to discuss the reasons for the discrepancies. A majority of studies on protein X en1 Poultry Research Branch, Animal Husbandry Research Division, ARS, Beltsville, Maryland.
ergy interrelationships involved Single Comb White Leghorns, or Leghorn-type strain crosses, and in many cases, what was considered a low energy level by one investigator was considered a high energy level by another investigator. For example, the low and high energy values of Frank and Waibel (1960) ranged from 634 to 947 and from 984 to 1250 kilocalories of productive energy per pound, respectively, as contrasted with a low and high energy level of 640 and 930 kilocalories of productive energy per pound, respectively, (Miller et al., 1957).
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at Rutgers University Libraries/Technical Services on June 2, 2015
and streptomycin in diets for breeder hens. Poultry Sci. 32: 176-178. Day, J. E., A. M. Horton and J. E. Hill, 1961. Anthelmintic value of hygromycin B when used in broiler rations and its effect along with certain drugs on the performance of broilers. Poultry Sci. 40:417-422. Elam, J. F., R. L. Jacobs and J. R. Couch, 1953. The effect of prolonged feeding of antibiotics upon performance of laying hens. Poultry Sci. 32: 792-794. Foster, R. G., I l l , C. B. Ryan, R. D. Turk and J. H. Quisenberry, 1960. Continuous feeding of hygromycin as a poultry anthelmintic and its effect upon laying house performance. Poultry Sci. 39: 492^99. Halick, J. V., and J. R. Couch, 1951. Antibiotics in mature fowl nutrition. Proc. Soc. Exptl. Biol. Med. 76: 58-60. Lillie, J. R., and H. R. Bird, 1952. The effect of antibiotic supplements upon hatchability and upon growth and viability of progeny. Poultry Sci. 3 1 : 513-518. Lillie, J. R., and J. R. Sizemore, 1954. The effect of antibiotics on egg production of New Hampshires. Poultry Sci. 3 3 : 427^128. Mariakulandai, A., T. Myint and J. McGinnis,
753
HE utilization of various feed sup- (Delaware) with a relatively low metabolplements for the control of infection ic rate. among breeder flocks of chickens is of inPROCEDURE terest, not only in the role of a therapeutic On hundred and twenty S. C. White Legagent, but as to the secondary effects of the reproductive performance of these horn pullets, nine months of age, were breeders. In some instances beneficial housed in individual cages in a windowless, effects on the reproductive pattern, either force-ventilated cage house. These birds through egg production, fertility, or were divided into two groups of 60 birds hatchability, have been reported for anti- each, and were maintained on a 14-hour biotic supplementation (Sizemore et al., light day. They received their diets on the 1952, 1953; Mariakulandai et al, 1952; basis of the replicates of six birds each. Carlson et al., 1953; Elam et al., 1953; and They were fed from a common feed trough Lillie and Sizemore, 1954), while other within each replicate, and each bird was workers have been unable to demonstrate supplied with an individual automatic a beneficial response (Halick and Couch, drinking cup for water. In order to mini1951; Peterson et al., 1952; Lillie and Bird, mize possible position effect, every other 1952; Sunde et al., 1952; and Sizemore replicate was treated, thus providing 60 et al., 1955). The differences in the results birds in each group. Egg production, fertilof these reports may be attributed to varia- ity and hatchability data were observed tion in dietary vitamin B12 supplementa- on a group basis. The diet fed was the tion, condition of the flock, and in manage- standard Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station basal lay ration (Table 1) ment methods. In view of the fact that hygromycin B, containing 15 percent calculated protein. an antibiotic supplemented to the ration, The replicates in the treated group rehas been found to be beneficial for the con- ceived the basal diet plus 12 grams of hytrol of round worms in the domestic fowl TABLE 1.—Basal layer diet, 15% protein (Foster, 1960; and Day et al., 1961) it appeared appropriate to investigate the probPercent Ingredients 1 able effects of this substance upon the reGround corn 73.75 productive performance of breeders. A study Soybean meal (50% protein) 16.00 Dehydrated alfalfa (17% protein) 2.50 was designed, therefore, to utilize two 4.50 Ground limestone breeds, one light breed (S. C. White Leg2.75 Dicalcium phosphate Salt, iodized 0.50 horn), accepted as having a relatively 1 high metabolic rate, and a heavy breed The following additions were made per 100 1
Published with the approval of the Director of the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station as paper number S.S. 979, Journal Series.
pounds of ration: Vitamin A, 120,000 U.S.P.; vitamin D3, 33,750 I.C.U.; vitamin E, 1.8 gm.; MnSOa, 10 gm.; niacin, 1,200 mg.; Ca pantothenate, 210 mg.; vitamin B12, 0.2 mg.; riboflavin, 100 mg.; menadione, 10 mg.; choline chloride (25%), 241 gm.
748
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at Rutgers University Libraries/Technical Services on June 2, 2015
T
749
HYGROMYCIN AND REPRODUCTION
TABLE 2.—Average egg production, on a henhoused basis, of two breeds of laying hens receiving 12 grams of hygromycin B per ton of diet Production Treated
Control Number Percent Delaware S.C.White Leghorn
36.23 50.40
45.3 60.0
Number
Percent
31.96** 51.42
40.0 61.2
Significant at the 1% level of probability.
bator so that weekly settings were maintained for 12 consecutive weeks. All eggs were weighed by groups on flats prior to setting each week. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Egg production: The average egg production for the 12-week experimental period has been summarized in Table 2. Application of the t-tests to these groups revealed a highly significant (one percent level of probability) depression in egg production in the Delawares, but no significant difference among the S. C. White Leghorn groups when they received the treatment. Egg weight: Egg weight of the four groups is presented in Figure 1 for the period of the study. This graph reveals, as expected, a constant increase in egg weight. Although no statistical analysis was made on these data, it may be concluded from the graph that there were no definite changes in egg weight, although a depressing trend was noted in the treated Leghorns. One may observe, however, that the egg weight in the treated Leghorn groups was somewhat below that of the control groups, while in the Delawares there was very little difference in egg weight. It should be pointed out that no egg weight data have been reported for weekly hatch number seven due to an apparent error in the data. However, if one were to project a line from the sixth week to the eighth week, it would follow very closely the rise of the treated birds.
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at Rutgers University Libraries/Technical Services on June 2, 2015
gromycin B per ton of diet, a level considered therapeutic in roundworm control but higher than the recommended level of 8 grams per ton. This portion of the study was designed to provide a detailed and controlled measure of breeding performance at weekly intervals. All caged birds were artificially inseminated from semen collected from S. C. White Leghorn males maintained in cages. Insemination was carried out on a weekly basis using pooled semen from at least three males with a rotating pattern followed to assure random distribution of males over the complete female population. One-half of the males received hygromycin B and were mated with the females fed hygromycin B, and one-half of the males received the control diet and these males were used for insemination of the control females. Insemination was started during the first week of treatment, so that each week provided data representing progressive treatment periods. Delaware pullets approximately nine months of age, and housed in pens of 40 females and four males per pen, received the same diets as the S. C. White Leghorns. Pens 1 and 3 were the control groups, and pens 2 and 4 were the treated groups. Production from these naturalmated groups was recorded by pens. Although it was recognized that these birds would not provide a direct comparison with the caged S. C. White Leghorns, it was assumed that they would provide an indication of the reaction of heavy breed birds under conditions which would be more appropriate to the more acceptable pattern of their use under field conditions. Fertility and hatchability data were evaluated by collecting eggs on four consecutive days during each of the 12 consecutive weeks of the study. On the fifth day these eggs were set in a forced-draft incu-
750
G. R. GRIMES AND R. E. MOEENG
7
8
9
HATCH NUMBER
FIG. 1. Egg weight of two breeds of laying hens receiving hygromycin B in the diet over a 12-week period. Because of an obvious inaccuracy in the data for the seventh week, this point has been omitted.
Fertility: A graph of the fertility trends horns was depressed on the third week of of the various groups over the period of the study and did not exceed the fertility the study is presented in Figure 2. Fertil- level of the control birds thereafter. The ity is based on apparent viability of the fact that there was no effect on the Delagerm, as observed at time of candling and ware groups may provide an area of specutransfer at 19 days of incubation. There- lation as to the response between birds fore, very early deads may have been clas- maintained in cages and those maintained sified as infertiles, as eggs were not broken in floor type pens. out to determine degree of actual blastoSince egg production was not derm development. significantly depressed in the Leghorns, but Application of the t-test to the data in- was significantly depressed in the treated dicated a highly significant depression in Delaware groups, it may be hypothesized fertility among the White Leghorn birds. that the treatment was more detrimental to When the t-test was applied by hatches, the Delawares than it was to the Leghorns. four of the 12 hatches revealed a One may recall, however, that egg weight, significant depression in fertility of the as well as fertility in the Leghorns, was detreated groups. The fertility level of the pressed on the treatment, although egg Delawares, however, was not significantly production in the Leghorns was not reaffected by the treatment. It is apparent duced. The higher metabolic rate of the from this graph that fertility of the Leg- Leghorn may have made this phenomena
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at Rutgers University Libraries/Technical Services on June 2, 2015
6 WEEKLY
751
HYGROMYCIN AND REPRODUCTION
98 i V
96
94 92 90
2 8b bl
84 62
\ / \/ •
80 78 -
FERTILITY
76
O * •
74
—X O * •
CONTROL TREATED CONTROL TREATED
{ DELAWARE ) ( DELAWARE) ( LEGHORN) { LEGHORN) _1
72 6 7 8 9 WEEKLY HATCH NUMBER
10
12
FIG. 2. Fertility of eggs of two breeds of laying hens receiving hygromycin in the diet over a 12-week period.
possible in this breed, whereas it was not possible in the heavy breed. (If feed consumption data had been collected it may have revealed a difference in the actual intake of the hygromycin B on a body weight basis.) Hatchabittty of fertile eggs: The hatchability of fertile eggs is graphed on Figure 3, and provides an interesting comparison of the final ability of the two groups to produce chicks. Application of the t-test to these data revealed that hatchability of the Leghorns was not significantly depressed by the treatment. However, a small, but significant depression in hatchability of the treated groups was observed in the Delaware pens. The fact that hatchability of the Delaware groups was significantly depressed can be attributed to the lower hatchability of the eggs in hatches eight and nine.
It should be pointed out that both fertility and hatchability of fertile eggs were at a relatively high level for both breeds during this study, and that the depressing effects of the treatment may be considered of most concern among the caged Leghorns only. Since two different management methods were used in this study, one may attribute the difference in breed response in part to this factor. Metabolic differences characteristic to the breeds should also be recognized although these differences are not clearly identified by the design. Additional studies are necessary to determine if the depressing effect on fertility may be due to detrimental responses of either the male or female. Further clarification of all factors measured may be accomplished through an expansion in numbers and in scope of the study for future investigations. Since no actual roundworm infection
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at Rutgers University Libraries/Technical Services on June 2, 2015
u 88 o
7S2
G. R. GRIMES AND R. E. MOEENG
6 7 8 9 WEEKLY HATCH NUMBER
10
12
FIG. 3. Hatchability of fertility eggs of two breeds of laying hens receiving hygromycin B B in the diet over a 12-week period.
was present in the birds, the value of the bility in both breeds remained at a high therapeutic action of hygromycin B would level throughout the study, although there undoubtedly mask the apparent depres- was a significant depression in hatchability sions in reproductive characteristics ob- in the Delawares on the eighth and ninth served, so that the apparent economic weeks. Hatchability of Delawares was conevaluation of this antibiotic may be more sistently above that of the Leghorns. beneficial than the results of this investiga- Hatchability of Leghorn eggs was not tion might suggest. This hypothesis is sub- significantly altered, although egg weight stantiated by the report of Foster et al. was suppressed. (1960) in which inclusion of hygromycin ACKNOWLEDGMENTS B in the diet reduced the number of paraThis project was supported in part by a sitized birds and was accompanied by a grant-in-aid from Eli Lilly and Company, higher rate of egg production. Indianapolis and Greenfield, Indiana. The generosity of the Ray Ewing ComSUMMARY pany Division of Hoffmann-LaRoche, Inc., The fertility of caged S. C. White Legis gratefully acknowledged for supplying horns was depressed significantly when the vitamins utilized in the diets. hygromycin B was added to the basal diet at 12 grams per ton, while in Delawares maintained in floor pens no significant depression in fertility was observed. Hatcha-
REFERENCES Carlson, C. W., R. A. Wilcox, W. Kohlmeyer and D. G. Jones, 1953. The effect of penicillin
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at Rutgers University Libraries/Technical Services on June 2, 2015
* •
-X CONTROL (DELAWARE) TREATED (DELAWARE) # CONTROL(LEGHORN) • TREATED (LEGHORN)
HYGROMYCIN AND REPRODUCTION
1952. The effect of Terramycin and vitamin Bi2 on hatchability. Proc. Soc. Exptl. Biol. Med. 79: 242-244. Peterson, C. F., A. C. Wiese, R. V. Dahlstrom and C. E. Lampman, 1952. The influence of vitamin B J2 and antibiotics on hatchability. Poultry Sci. 3 1 : 129-132. Sizemore, J. R., R. J. Lillie and H. R. Bird, 1952. The influence of Aureomycin in the chick diet upon subsequent reproductive performance of laying hens. Poultry Sci. 3 1 : 935936. Sizemore, J. R., R. J. Lillie, C. A. Denton and H. R. Bird, 1953. The influence of Aureomycin in the chick diet upon subsequent reproductive performance of laying hens. Poultry Sci. 32: 618-624. Sizemore, J. R., R. J. Lillie, H. R. Bird and C. A. Denton, 1955. Further studies on the influence of Aureomycin in the chick diet upon subsequent reproductive performance of laying hens. Poultry Sci. 34: 432^134. Sunde, M. L., J. G. Halpin and W. W. Cravens, 1952. The effect of vitamin B K supplements and antibiotic feed supplements on egg production and hatchability. Poultry Sci. 3 1 : 617620.
Protein and Energy Interrelationships for Laying Hens ROBERT J. LILLIE AND C. A. DENTON U. S. Department of Agriculture' (Received for publication October 13, 1964)
P
ROTEIN X energy interrelationships for optimum reproductive performance of chickens have been discussed by Thornton and Whittet (I960), Frank and Waibel (1960), and Touchburn and Naber (1962). Considerable evidence has appeared in literature to indicate a disparity regarding protein X energy interrelationships, and Harms (1964) has attempted to discuss the reasons for the discrepancies. A majority of studies on protein X en1 Poultry Research Branch, Animal Husbandry Research Division, ARS, Beltsville, Maryland.
ergy interrelationships involved Single Comb White Leghorns, or Leghorn-type strain crosses, and in many cases, what was considered a low energy level by one investigator was considered a high energy level by another investigator. For example, the low and high energy values of Frank and Waibel (1960) ranged from 634 to 947 and from 984 to 1250 kilocalories of productive energy per pound, respectively, as contrasted with a low and high energy level of 640 and 930 kilocalories of productive energy per pound, respectively, (Miller et al., 1957).
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at Rutgers University Libraries/Technical Services on June 2, 2015
and streptomycin in diets for breeder hens. Poultry Sci. 32: 176-178. Day, J. E., A. M. Horton and J. E. Hill, 1961. Anthelmintic value of hygromycin B when used in broiler rations and its effect along with certain drugs on the performance of broilers. Poultry Sci. 40:417-422. Elam, J. F., R. L. Jacobs and J. R. Couch, 1953. The effect of prolonged feeding of antibiotics upon performance of laying hens. Poultry Sci. 32: 792-794. Foster, R. G., I l l , C. B. Ryan, R. D. Turk and J. H. Quisenberry, 1960. Continuous feeding of hygromycin as a poultry anthelmintic and its effect upon laying house performance. Poultry Sci. 39: 492^99. Halick, J. V., and J. R. Couch, 1951. Antibiotics in mature fowl nutrition. Proc. Soc. Exptl. Biol. Med. 76: 58-60. Lillie, J. R., and H. R. Bird, 1952. The effect of antibiotic supplements upon hatchability and upon growth and viability of progeny. Poultry Sci. 3 1 : 513-518. Lillie, J. R., and J. R. Sizemore, 1954. The effect of antibiotics on egg production of New Hampshires. Poultry Sci. 3 3 : 427^128. Mariakulandai, A., T. Myint and J. McGinnis,
753