Utilization of Fat by Chickens—A Method for Determining the Absorption of Nutrients

Abstract

RELATIVELY few studies have been made of the absorption of nutrients by poultry. The standard methods for studying feed utilization require the collection of all feces resulting from the feeding of a selected quantity of the feedstuff. These methods necessitate elaborate precautions to obtain accurate feed consumption records and to obtain uncontaminated feces. Bergeim (1926) has suggested modifications of the usual procedures which eliminate many of the difficulties of the standard methods. In Bergeim’s method iron oxide or other suitable substance not utilized by the animal is added to the diet and the ratio of feed to feces calculated by determining the amount of that substance in the feed and in the feces. Heller, Breedlove, and Likely (1928) compared Bergeim’s modified procedures with standard methods for rats and obtained similar values for feed utilization; they concluded, however, that the normal iron content of their diets was more satisfactory than ferric . . .