Poultry Nutrition in 1964

Abstract

N REVIEWING poultry nutrition research published in 1964, one I cannot help but consider the question: Do we ever satisfactorily solve the problems in any area of nutrition? For example, calcium and phosphorus were recognized as critical nutrients in poultry rations from the very beginnings of organized poultry research. Yet, during 1964, over 10% of all papers reviewed dealt with some aspect of calcium or phosphorus nutrition.Undoubtebly, much of the work was prompted by the fact that we still have practical field problems with egg shell quality and occasional outbreaks of "cage fatigue" and rickets in commercial flocks.To indicate that general solution to problems in an area of poultry nutrition is eventually reached, very little research work in 1964 involved the B-complex vitamins. Obviously, sufficient information is now available on metabolism and requirement of these nutrients so that field or laboratory problems are not being encountered. Furthermore, the biochemical function of B-complex vitamins has been generally elucidated.In addition to work on calcium and phosphorus, many papers dealing with other minerals were published. In fact, more than 25% of all papers were on minerals. Protein, amino acids, and energy nutrition continued to receive attention. Research on cholesterol and other lipids in relation to poultry, appear to be receiving increased emphasis.