Selenium and Torula Yeast in Production of Exudative Diathesis in Chicks. ∗

Summary

Yit. E. dried brewers yeast, and 0.05 ppm selenium promoted growth and prevented symptoms of exudative diathesis in chicks fed a purified soybean protein diet. Any of the supplements completely replaced the others and maintained normal values for serum protein, A G ratio and blood hemoglobin. Chicks fed Vit E-free diet, containing purified soybean protein as source of protein, developed symptoms of exudative diathesis in 30 days, manifested by mild edema and exudation with subcutaneous hemorrhage in the abdomen. The affected birds had a reduced serum protein level, A G ratio, and blood hemoglobin level. Addition of 0.7% sodium, 0.5 ppm arsenic or a mixture of 1% potassium and 0.07% magnesium, to above Vit. E-free, soybean-protein diet failed to reduce the time needed for development of exudative diathesis. Addition of Torula yeast (20 or 30% of the diet) to Vit. E-free soybean protein diet hastened and increased incidence of exudative diathesis in chicks fed this diet. Thus it appears that some component in Torula yeast affects onset of exudative diathesis.