A growth depression caused by added vitamin B₆ in a practical broiler ration and the effect thereon of procaine penicillin.

Abstract

Trials were on day-old chicks, groups of 180 male Cornirock x Sussex in 2 and about 1750 of both sexes in 2. The estimated values of 4.2 to 4.9 mg vitamin B₆ per kg for the basal mash were believed to be lower than the true values. For experimental diets 1.8 mg vitamin B₆ was added, and in the last2 experiments 3, 4 or 7 p.p.m. procaine penicillin were added to both control and test diets. Feed conversion was estimated at 8 weeks in the first 2 and at 6 and 9 weeks in the last 2 experiments. In the first 2 trials growth was retarded when additional vitamin B₆ was given and with combined results of the last 2 experiments that reduction in growth was significant at 6 but not at 9 weeks. With the addition of 7 p.p.m. procaine penicillin the effect of added vitamin B₆ was not significant.--E. Sidaway. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)