Effect of Origin, Processing and Storage on the Unidentified Growth Factor Activity of a Variety of Fish Meals

A STANDARD chick assay for the unidentified growth factor (UGF) activity of crude materials was described by Barnett and Bird (1956). Before studies concerning the evaluation and fractionation of UGF activity can be successful, an accurate and reliable assay procedure must be employed. Variation in response to fishery by-products has, no doubt, been observed by many research groups. Black et al. (1957) reported a progressive depression in the hatchability of eggs laid by hens fed increasing quantities of white fish meal. On the other hand, Ferguson et al. (1956) and Feldman et al. (1957) reported good hatchability of eggs of turkeys fed condensed fish solubles in 20 and 24 week studies. Ferguson reported that addition of 5 percent of condensed fish solubles to an all-vegetable protein diet resulted in a hatchability increase of 12 percent over the basal group. A marked difference in the growth promoting ability of commercial fish …