Improving Albumen Quality

Abstract

CONVINCING evidence has not been reported that the hen's diet could improve albumen quality. Little or no effect has been observed in albumen quality by varying the level of proteins, minerals, salts, grains, and fats in the ration (Thompson et al., 1932; Card and Sloan, 1935; Griminger and Scott, 1954; Mueller, 1956; Orr et al., 1958; and Combs and Helbacka, 1958). In the two trials reported here, albumen quality was markedly improved by supplementing the feed with acidifying substances. PROCEDURE Trial 1. During a ten-day initial period, 20 individually caged White Leghorn hens were fed an all-mash breeder ration (Table 1). When treatment began, they were divided into two groups of 10 birds each. The control group was fed an all-mash breeder ration and the test group had 3% NH4Cl added to the same feed. The initial ambient temperature was 70°F. to 75°F. for both groups and during the treatment …