Use of an APF Supplement* With and Without Fish Meal for Egg Production and Hatchability

Abstract VITAMIN B12 is recognized as an essential dietary nutrient for hatchability. Limited data is now available concerning animal protein factor supplements as a source of this vitamin and other factors. Carver and McGinnis (1950a) found that a fermentation APF supplement was effective at levels of 0.5, 0.25, and 0.125 percent in improving hatchability from a low level or maintaining high hatchability in a nine-week experiment with hens on litter or wire. Another APF supplement with a content of 12.5 mg. of vitamin B12 per pound was reported by Hill et al. (1950) to be as effective in maintaining hatchability as 6 percent fish meal. These experimental birds were reared from day-old to 10 months on wire floors and fed the same supplements during the entire period. This product, when used at 0.11 percent, apparently contained adequate B12 to support good hatchability and permitted even greater transfer to the chick than . . .