The Influence of Riboflavin Consumption on its Concentration in Hens' Eggs

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Abstract
Barred Plymouth Rock pullets were divided into groups and supplied with rations containing different concentrations of riboflavin. The riboflavin in the feed and the eggs was determined by assay of representative samples and the total riboflavin consumed and that recovered in the eggs was calculated. The percentage recovery of the dietary riboflavin was calculated. A maximum recovery in the eggs laid of about 24.2% was found at a dietary level of 1300 μg per pound of feed for birds in pens. When they were kept in batteries the recovery increased to 29.6% at 1600 μg per pound of feed. The highest level of dietary riboflavin that would affect the concentration of riboflavin in the eggs was ordinarily about 1400–1600 μg per pound of feed, but this level was found to be considerably higher during the period of high egg production. The percentage recovery in the eggs was also raised during this period. There was a higher recovery of riboflavin in the eggs from birds maintained in batteries than from those in ordinary pens. About 40% of the extra riboflavin required to raise the concentration in the feed from 1000 μg to 1350 μg per pound was recovered in the eggs. There was some variation in the concentration of riboflavin in the eggs from various breeds and varieties on the same ration. There was also variation between individual hens on the same ration.
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