8 N. H. Agr. Experiment Station [Bulletin 310 



cod liver oil at different levels. The reserve group however, had a con- 

 sumption per chick of approximately three pounds more than these oil 

 groups. 



When comparing the efficiency of these various rations in relation to 

 pounds of feed consumed per pound gain in weight, as shown in Table I, 

 we note that the 3% cod liver oil group was most efficient up to the 12- 

 week period with a consumption of but 3.61 pounds of feed. The 4% 

 cod liver oil group, the 1% cod liver oil group, the 2% cod liver oil, the 

 reserves and 5% cod liver oil groups followed in the order named. For 

 the 16-week period the 3 and 4% cod liver oil groups held the leads; and 

 the 2% cod liver oil, 5% cod liver oil, 1% cod liver oil and reserve groups 

 followed in the order named. Since the relatively higher level cod liver 

 oil groups are more efficient in feed consumption as compared with the 

 lower level groups our fonner statement appears to be again substan- 

 tiated. There is apparently a greater requirement for vitamin A as birds 

 approach maturity and the higher level cod liver oil groups seem to be 

 satisfying that demand. 



Table I lists the mortality on all groups for the entire experimental 

 period. It is to be noted that as the percentage of cod liver oil fed in- 

 creased, just so did the mortality. Too high content of cod liver oil ap- 

 pears to affect livability of chicks. 



During the first few days of the experiment brooding difficulties were 

 encountered which caused material loss in several groups. This loss, if 

 disregarded, would show results not attributable to the effects of the feed 

 mixture. Therefore, the column headed "corrected mortality" should 

 be the figures applicable to the problem. 



Specimens of each group were examined at regular intervals for evi- 

 dence of vitamin A deficiency. At no time during the experimental 

 period was any evidence found of vitamin A deficiency in the reserve 

 group. 



EXPERIMENT A, TABLE III, Estimated consumption of vitamin A hy trroups 



Up to three weeks of age no evidence was found of vitamin A deficiency 

 in any of the groups. After this period however, material weakness of 

 body control, ruffled feathers and ciystnls (see page 9) of an unknown 

 nature found in the feces were observed for the control 0-12 week 

 group. Slight kidney injury and presence of a very few crystals were 

 observed in all the cod liver oil groups at varying periods. There did 

 not seem to be any material difference in quantity of crystals observed 

 in these groups. The types of (M-ystals varied in shape. 



No evidence of opthalmic infection of eyes or presence of lesions in 

 mouth or pharynx was observed up to six weeks in any of the groups. 

 However, at eight weeks the control groups showed material evidence of 

 an opthalmic condition. Eyes were swollen, watery and an exudate of 



