Occurrence of the Pellagra-Like Syndrome in Range Chicks

Abstract

In chick virus transmission experiments it is sometimes necessary to use range chicks hatched away from the laboratory. The presence or absence of borderline nervous symptoms are often neither observed nor detected as part of the experimental procedure. The use of commercial rations is usually unsatisfactory in relieving cannibalism, 1 and other findings such as delayed prothrombin clotting values may occur in supposedly normal chicks. 2 , 3

This note summarizes the results of an investigation of the occurrence of the pellagra-like syndrome in range chicks maintained on an adequate ration.

In over a thousand pullorum-free White Leghorn chicks maintained since hatching (April 12) at a farm range, over 200 presented symptoms of which a laboratory report diagnosed as “B. coli bacillosis.” Visiting the farm and recognizing pellagra-like symptoms of Ringrose, Norris and Heuser 4 in varying degrees of severity on eyes, beaks, toes and feathering, present in the 85 survivors at the time (May 20), they were then removed to the laboratory. The chicks had been maintained on the following hatching ration prepared carefully on a commercial scale per 2600 lbs :

The diet and water were supplied ad libitum. The chicks were permitted to range freely from the shelter.

In the laboratory the chicks were placed on an approved commercial ration fairly satisfactory for chicks but not for adults. Neither cannibalism nor paralysis was observed on crowding. Postmortem examination of the chicks that died during the first few days in the laboratory revealed gizzard erosions and duodenal inflammation. Food residues were almost absent. The liver showed a deep dirty-yellowish color, while the spleen and kidneys showed small amounts of inflammation. Gas was present in the entire intestinal tract.