Effect of an “Animal Protein Factor” Fermentation Product on Hatchability of Chicken Eggs

The effects of fermentation “animal protein factor” (APF) or vitamin B12 supplements on chick growth have been investigated in many different laboratories, but the effects of such products on hatchability of chicken eggs are, for the most part, unknown. In the limited reports dealing with hatchability, the fermentation APF supplements gave inconclusive results. Lindstrom, Moore, Petersen, and Wiese (1948) found that a charcoal adsorbate containing vitamin B12 activity increased hatchability of fertile eggs, but failed to give satisfactory results. It does not appear that an inadequate level of the vitamin B12 supplement would explain their poor results, since the same level of supplement was as effective as fish solubles in promoting chick growth. Inconclusive results on hatchability were obtained by Olcese, Couch, and Lyman (1949) when a deficient ration for breeding hens was supplemented with a fermentation APF product. This supplement gave highly variable results, and hatchability of fertile eggs . . .