Utilization of Vitamin A and Carotene by Different Breeds and Strains of Chickens

INTRODUCTION CONTRADICTORY evidence has been published concerning breed and/or strain differences in the utilization of, and requirements for vitamins and other nutrients. Lamoreux and Hutt (1939) reported that White Leghorn chicks survived longer on diets deficient in, or lacking vitamin B1 than did Rhode Island Red chicks. F1 progeny from a cross of White Leghorn males × Rhode Island Red females were intermediate between the parents with respect to a deficiency of the vitamin. Scrimshaw et al. (1945) found that the average thiamine content of the egg yolk of White Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds and Barred Plymouth Rocks, fed on the same ration, was 279, 167 and 175 mcgm. per 100 grams, respectively. They concluded that White Leghorns use the thiamine in the ration more efficiently. Mayfield et al. (1955) also found that White Leghorns deposited more thiamine in their eggs than did New Hampshires fed the same ration. Howes…