Effects on Feed Palatability of Ingredients Believed to Contain Unidentified Growth Factors for Poultry

The influences of several feedstuffs on the free-choice feeding behavior of Japanese quail, Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL) chicks, broiler-type chicks, and SCWL hens were investigated. Each type of animal showed significant feeding preferences for diets containing practical feedstuffs popularly associated with unidentified growth factor (UGF) activities. Among these, diets containing menhaden meal and corn distillers' dried solubles were preferred most frequently. Results indicated that a component of the UGF activities of practical feedstuffs may be an increase in feed palatability. Controlled feeding diets containing menhaden meal to Japanese quail demonstrated a typical UGF effect in addition to a palatability effect.