Studies on condensed whale solubles in chick starter rations

Abstract

Condensed whale solubles from two sources were used to partly or wholly replace meatmeal in chick starter rations. High mortality, many cases of dermatosis and depressed growth rate occurred when a batch of C.W.S. that had been stored for at least 18 months was used as a sole source of protein. Even at the lowest level of C.W.S. (8%) used in combination with meatmeal (8%), the number of cases of dermatosis was highly significant and growth rate was reduced. When C.W.S. of a later date of manufacture was used, dermatosis and reduced growth rate occurred in the groups fed C.W.S. either alone or in conjunction with meatmeal. The addition of liver meal (a source of the vitamin B complex) at the rate of 4 % in a chick mash containing 14% C.W.S. acted as a corrective. It would seem that C.W.S. is deficient in one or more members of the vitamin B complex, particularly biotin. There is evidence that rancidity of the fat content of C.W.S. may increase with storage and that such rancidity may inactivate biotin in feed mixtures.