Effect of Dietary Level of Soybean Meal on Hatchability

Abstract

THE conflicting reports in the literature concerning the effect of soybeans and soybean meal on hatchability indicate a need for additional study, especially in view of the fact that in recent times the latter material has been the most widely available protein supplement for use in poultry feeds. Byerly, Titus, and Ellis (1932, 1933) found that hens receiving diets containing 20 percent of soybean meal produced eggs having a low hatchability. Nestler, Byerly Ellis, and Titus (1936) presented data indicating that the low hatchability of eggs produced by hens in confinement receiving diets containing 20 percent soybean meal was not alleviated by the addition of 10 percent of dried whey to increase the riboflavin intake. Byerly, Titus, Ellis, and Nestler (1937) were able to demonstrate an increase in hatchability when beef scrap replaced the 20 percent of soybean meal in the diet of confined hens, or when the hens receiving . . .