Potassium, Zinc and Distillers Dried Solubles as Supplements to a Purified Diet

Abstract

Dannenburg et al. (1955) reported that the ash of distillers dried solubles gave a growth response in chicks when added to a purified diet containing an isolated soybean protein. Potassium, among several elements tested, was reported to be ineffective and a high level of calcium was found to depress the rate of growth. Under the usual conditions the diet should have supplied adequate zinc, but it seemed worthwhile to test the value of supplemental zinc in view of the occurrence of a zinc dificiency in swine when a high level of calcium is added to practical rations. Calculations indicate that the mineral mixture used by Dannenburg et al. supplied less than the recommended level of potassium. This has been pointed out previously by Briggs (1956). White Rock male chicks were housed in battery brooders from hatching to four weeks of age. They were the randomized progeny of hens that received …