Factors Influencing Calcification in the Fowl

Previous studies with turkey poults have often produced erratic results in terms of whether or not there is a need for crude supplements in the glucoseisolated soy diet for obtaining maximum growth and bone calcification. It seemed apparent that some of the differences were due to variation in carry-over of factors influencing calcification from the dam to the poult

Neo-Terramycin and Egg Production

Do modem laying hens need antibiotics for maximum reproductive performance? Although previous reports have shown little or no advantage for their use, there needs to be an occasional check made on this question. Pullets were made available for such a study at the Poultry Research Center this year

Some Effects of Low Protein Grower Diets Fed With or Without Antibiotics on Growth Rate and Subsequent Reproductive Performance

Several studies at this station have shown that Leghorn-type pullets can utilize diets as low as 10 to 12% protein during the growing stage (8 to 20 weeks) without adversely affecting their subsequent reproductive performance. Mortality during the growing and laying period was either unaffected or decreased. However, low protein, low-energy fed pullets tend to consume 1 to 2 pounds more feed during the growing period. As a result, pullet growers have tended to continue using the higher protein and higher energy diets. Two studies have been completed and another is under way to further evaluate low protein grower diets with and without antibiotics on subsequent egg production

Some Effects of Low Protein Grower Diets at Two Energy Levels Fed With and Without Antibiotics on Subsequent Egg Production

Numerous studies, including several at this station, have shown that layer type pullets can tolerate diets as low as 10 to 12% protein during the growing period. In fact, subsequent reproductive performance of pullets reared on such diets has been just as good as that of pullets reared on diets of higher protein content. Other work has shown that use of low energy grower diets, i.e., 1800- 2300 Calories of Metabolizable Energy per kilogram, have produced pullets capable of performing as well or better than those reared on higher energy diets, 2800- 3100 Gal./kilogram. Layer house mortality has generally been lower for pullets grown on the lower energy diets. However, the low energy fed pullets require much more feed, the relative proportions are in inverse relationship to the energy level of the diet. Consequently, pullet growers have generally not used low energy feeds extensively, i.e., oats or barley with hulls or other fiber sources vs. com or milo as the cereal position. This study evaluated two energy levels with and without an antibiotic. Antibiotics have not been shown to be of value for this period of growth on higher energy feeds. But, with low energy feeds, we have little or no information as to their potential value

Sublethal Effects of Mercury on Growth and Reproductive Performance of Layers

Mercury in our environment has been implicated in egg shell thinning and poor hatchability among various species of wild birds. We have used domestic chickens to determine the effect of a range of sublethal levels of two dietary mercury compounds, i.e., inorganic mercuric chloride and organic methylmercuric chloride

Effects of Mercury on Production and Reproduction of Laying Hens--Second Egg Laying Cycle

Hens fed diets containing various levels of two mercury sources from the time of hatching were studied during a second laying cycle. Early growth data and data pertaining to the first laying cycle were reported in the 1973 Poultry Day reports (A.S. Series 73-18). It was concluded from these earlier phases of the study that inorganic mercury at levels up to 20 ppm in the diet does not influence growth or egg production, quality and hatchability. Methylmercury at levels of 2.5 ppm or less also appeared to be well tolerated with no visible harmful effects. However, detrimental effects of higher levels became increasingly apparent with progression of that phase of the experiment

Student Preferences for Faculty-Led Honors Study Abroad Experiences

A critical component of any education, particularly an honors education, is an interdisciplinary curriculum that enriches the college experience. At South Dakota State University (SDSU), the Fishback Honors College strives to provide a robust and holistic educational experience through innovative honors courses paired with enriching co-curricular programs. One way to meet these goals is an honors study abroad experience included as part of the Fishback Honors College curriculum. The study abroad course is an integral part the honors curriculum, fulfilling the requirement of an interdisciplinary colloquium course and thus making it accessible to students from every field of study

Mercury Toxicity in Chick Embryos

Mercury accumulating to high levels in animal tissue is generally in the form of methylmercury which is readily absorbed but only slowly eliminated. While methylmercury can be formed by microorganisms in lake bottom sediments and concentrated up the biological food chain, inorganic mercury or its metabolic equivalent is sometimes available to animals