Involvement of molybdenum in feather growth

Abstract

A poor hatchability syndrome, characterised by a high incidence of weak chickens, with clubbed down and long ginger hairs, in commercial broiler breeding stock was investigated. 2. If the weak chick were given a single oral treatment of ammonium molybdate (40 microgram Mo/chick at 1 d), there was a reduction in subsequent mortality in both sexes and an increase in the growth rate of feathers in males, but not in females.

Molybdenum requirements of chickens

“…The earlier reports of two molybdenum responsive syndromes, namely the clubbed down, ginger hair syndrome in newly hatched chicks (see Payne, 1977), and the scabby hip syndrome in broilers (see Payne, 1978) led to the widespread supplementation of Australian poultry diets with molybdenum. Although comprehensive data are not available, outbreaks of both conditions still occur.…”

“…Similar data were reported by Leach et al (1962) and Savage (1969). In contrast, Anders and Hill (1970) reported a highly significant increase in the growth rate of chicks fed on a diet containing dried skim milk and glucose when 5 mg Mo/kg was added to the diet, and Probst (1971) and Payne (1977) reported that dietary supplements of molybdenum improved broiler performance.…”

“…These are a poor hatchability syndrome, characterised by a high incidence of weak, sickly chicks with clubbed down and long ginger hairs. When these chicks were given a single oral dose of 40 /jig molybdenum (as ammonium molybdate), the subsequent mortality in chicks of both sexes was reduced, and the growth rate of feathers increased in male but not in female chicks (Payne, 1977).…”