Influence of Selenium, Antioxidants and Type of Yeast on Vitamin E Deficiency in the Adult Chicken

Abstract
Studies on the effect of feeding semipurified diets containing Torula or dried brewers' yeast as a major source of protein on the expression of vitamin E deficiency in Single-Comb White Leghorn hens are reported. Hatchability of fertile eggs was markedly lowered by feeding of both diets. Mortality of offspring was markedly increased by using Torula yeast, but not with brewers' yeast. Two antioxidants had no effect on chick viability. Addition of 1 ppm of selenium failed to improve either hatchability or chick viability.