Niacin Deficiency in Poultry

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the characteristic leg deformation observed in ducks and turkeys with a niacin deficiency?

A severe bowing of the legs and an enlargement of the hock joint.

What is the recommended allowance of niacin in the feed of ducks, geese, and turkeys?

55-70 mg/kg

What is the role of pantothenic acid in avian metabolism?

It is the prosthetic group within coenzyme A, involved in many reversible acetylation reactions in carbohydrate, fat, and amino acid metabolism.

What are the major organs affected by pantothenic acid deficiency in birds?

The nervous system, the adrenal cortex, and the skin. Signup and view all the answers

Why are turkeys, ducks, pheasants, and goslings more severely affected by niacin deficiency than chickens?

Their less efficient conversion of tryptophan to niacin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum amount of niacin required in the diet of poultry to prevent deficiency?

≥30 mg/kg Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of iodine deficiency on the hatchability of eggs from a breeder hen?

Reduced hatchability Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum amount of iodine required to be supplemented in poultry feed to avoid iodine deficiency?

0.5 mg/kg Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a diet totally devoid of magnesium on newly hatched chicks?

Mortality Signup and view all the answers

How does a magnesium deficiency in laying hens affect egg production and quality?

Rapid decline in egg production, decreased egg size, shell weight, and magnesium content of yolk and shell Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of thyroxine or iodinated casein administration on egg production in iodine-deficient hens?

Reversal of effects, with eggshell quality returning to normal Signup and view all the answers

Why is magnesium never specifically added as a supplement to poultry diets?

Natural feed ingredients are rich in magnesium, making deficiency rare Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic change observed in egg albumen when eggs become deficient in riboflavin?

Loss of its characteristic yellow color Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical treatment for riboflavin deficiency in chicks or poults?

Two sequential daily 100-mcg doses, followed by an adequate amount of riboflavin in feed Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of tryptophan in relation to niacin deficiency in chickens?

Tryptophan is not a meaningful source of niacin for the bird due to insufficient amount and low conversion rate Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary signs of niacin deficiency in chickens?

Loss of appetite, retarded growth, general weakness, and diarrhea Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of niacin deficiency on the reproductive performance of hens?

Weight loss, reduced egg production, and a marked decrease in hatchability Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinctive condition observed in the oral cavity of niacin-deficient chicks?

Black tongue, characterized by inflammation of the tongue, oral cavity, and esophagus Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Niacin Deficiency in Ducks and Turkeys

Characteristic leg deformation includes curled toes and stunted growth.
Recommended niacin allowance is 55 mg/kg in feed for ducks and turkeys.

Role of Pantothenic Acid

Pantothenic acid is vital for energy metabolism and synthesis of coenzyme A.
Major organs affected by deficiency include the adrenal glands, liver, and nervous system.

Species Sensitivity to Niacin Deficiency

Turkeys, ducks, pheasants, and goslings are more severely impacted due to higher metabolic demands compared to chickens.
Minimum niacin requirement to prevent deficiency in poultry diets is typically 30 mg/kg.

Iodine Deficiency Effects

Iodine deficiency leads to decreased hatchability of eggs from breeder hens.
Minimum iodine supplementation needed in poultry feed is about 0.5 mg/kg.

Magnesium Deficiency Consequences

Total magnesium absence results in poor muscle function and nervous system issues in newly hatched chicks.
In laying hens, magnesium deficiency reduces egg production and contributes to poor egg quality.

Impact of Iodine on Egg Production

Administration of thyroxine or iodinated casein can enhance egg production in iodine-deficient hens by restoring metabolic balance.

Magnesium Supplementation Considerations

Magnesium is often not added as a supplement due to sufficient levels typically present in feed ingredients.

Riboflavin Deficiency Effects

Deficiency leads to abnormal egg albumen, often resulting in poor albumen quality and cloudiness.
Typical treatment includes riboflavin supplementation in the diet of chicks or poults.

Tryptophan and Niacin Connection

Tryptophan is a precursor for niacin; insufficient tryptophan can exacerbate niacin deficiency in chickens.

Primary Signs of Niacin Deficiency in Chickens

Signs include poor growth, leg deformities, and skin lesions.
Reproductive performance can decline, with lower hatch rates in hens due to niacin deficiency.

Oral Cavity Changes Due to Niacin Deficiency

A distinctive feature in niacin-deficient chicks includes lesions and swelling in the oral cavity.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Learn about the effects of niacin deficiency on turkeys, ducks, pheasants, and goslings. Discover how it affects their legs and joints, and how it differs from other deficiencies. Test your knowledge on this important topic in poultry health!