Black Pigmentation in Feathers of Buff Orpington Chicks Caused by Vitamin D Deficiency. ∗

Abstract

Summary

In an experiment with Buff Orpington chicks. a breed normally having no black pigment in the feathers, it was found that a deficiency of vitamin U caused a widespread deposition of black pigment in the feathers. This abnormal blackening was prevented by supplenienting the diet with vitamin D.

The feeding of thyroactive ioclinated casein failed to increase the deposition of black pigment in chicks fed either a vitamin D deficient or vitamin D supplemental diet.