Adequacy of the Known Synthetic Vitamins for Normal Feathering and Pigmentation in Chicks

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Abstract
Black Leghorn chicks were raised on a basal diet designed to contain the previously recognized chromotri-chial factors, except the Lactobacillus casei factor. Synthetic L. casei factor injected 5 times weekly at a level calculated to supply 10 [gamma] per day showed feathering and pigmentation comparable to that of chicks receiving 10% brewers'' yeast supplement. Growth was somewhat better on the latter. At a level of 5 [gamma], feathering was fairly good and depigmentation was marked. At 1 and 2.5 [gamma] levels, feathering was very poor. Growth and feathering were in proportion to the level of L. casei factor used. The interdependence of pantothenic acid and the L. casei factor for normal pigmentation in rats is postulated. The discrepancy noted between various laboratories on the ability of pantothenic acid alone to cure or prevent achromotrichia in rats may thus be resolved. Concentrates of a fermentation product highly active for Streptococcus faecalis, but only slightly active for L. casei, gave poor growth and feathering in chicks when fed at a level which proved adequate in the case of liver concentrates, based on S. faecalis assay.