The Influence of Propylene Glycol on pH of the Gastrointestinal Tract and the Incidence of Leg Abnormalities in Broiler Chicks

Abstract

PREVIOUS reports from this laboratory (Bowen and Waldroup, 1968; Waldroup and Bowen, 1968) have indicated that propylene glycol (1, 2-dihy-droxy propane) may be included as a synthetic energy source in broiler diets at levels up to 5 percent. Higher levels resulted in decreased growth rate, diarrhea and the development of a leg deformity characterized by an outward curling of the toes along with a perosis-like hock disorder. This condition is similar to that reported by Rutter et al. (1953) for chicks fed diets high in lactose. Since propylene glycol has been reported to be metabolized to lactic acid in the rat (Rudney, 1950; Miller et al., 1953), it is possible that some common metabolite may be responsible for this condition. The objectives of the trials reported herein were to determine if the inclusion of propylene glycol in the diet of broiler chicks would alter the pH of the digestive tract…