Growth Promoting Factors in Malt Distillers Dried Solubles

THE value of corn distillers solubles in the diets of young stock is well established and they are standard ingredients in many American feeds. In addition to the protein, energy and vitamins which they provide, there is strong evidence that they contain also an unidentified growth factor for chicks and poults. This evidence has been the subject of several adequate reviews (Combs et al., 1954; Scott, 1957; Rasmussen et al. 1957; and others) and it will not, therefore, be further reviewed here. In essence, however, the present position seems to be somewhat confused as to the identity or otherwise of the factor(s) provided by fish meals and by-products, milk products, yeast, corn distillers solubles and other fermentation solubles. Several workers have suggested that part, at least, of the growth promoting properties of these various products derives from their mineral components but here again the situation is somewhat obscure. Morrison et al . . .