Biotin Requirement of Turkey Poults

RECENT field observation of biotin deficient poults by Richardson and Wilgus (1967) and others, have indicated a need to re-evaluate the biotin needs of turkeys. Biotin deficiency symptoms have been described by Patrick et al. (1942) as incipient lesions in the foot pads which later involve the entire dermal of the feet and shanks, encrustation of the eye lids, perosis, increased mortality, decreased feed consumption, and retarded growth. Patrick et al. (1942) indicated that a commercial poult diet can be formulated that is low in biotin. Robblee and Clandinin (1953) reported that commercial diets made from Canadian ingredients may be low in biotin. Other reports by McGinnis and Carver (1947) and Slinger and Pepper (1954) have shown that biotin deficiency can be produced in poults receiving practical type rations in the laboratory. Generally it has been thought that practical rations were adequate. Patrick et al. (1942) suggested that a turkey. . .