May, 1939] Protein Reqiirements of Chickens 13 



condition and appearance when compared with the other protein source 

 groups. 



No very significant difference occurred between groups in rate of feed 

 consumption. There was a lower total consumption for this year's test 

 than for the previous test. This, however, was also associated with a 

 slightly reduced growth rate. All rations for both tests were made as 

 identical as possible. Average consumption per chick varied from 7.345 

 pounds in Group 9 to 10.06 pounds in Group 12 — ^the lowest and highest 

 average weight groups. 



So far as could be determined there was apparently no difference 

 between groups in feather growth. At about ten weeks of age the group 

 receiving the 15 per cent mixed protein ration developed the vice of 

 feather picking. Those groups receiving the single protein sources did 

 not exhibit this condition. 



Higher mortality was experienced this year in the test than last year. 

 Considerable variation between groups occurred as noted in Table VI. 

 The average mortality according to protein source ranged from 3.1 per 

 cent in dried skimmilk groups to 8.2 per cent in the mixed protein lots. 

 Autopsy reports showed the major cause to be pneumonia. A few cases 

 of ulcerated gizzards were noted. 



For a comparison of efficiency of feed utilization based on the number 

 of pounds of feed required to produce a pound of gain, we find in Table V 



Table VIII. Average egg weights in ounces according to groups 



