Effect of Thyroprotein on the Growth of Egyptian Baby Chickens

Abstract

IT IS known that the thyroid gland is involved in the growth process of all animals. The object of most experiments using thyroprotein on chickens has been to induce mild hyperthyroidism to accelerate their growth prior to slaughter. However, the results of these investigations have been variable depending upon the dosage level given, breed, strain, and a number of other factors (Blaxter et al., 1949).Irwin et al. (1943) and Parker (1943) found that iodinated casein accelerated the growth of chickens to a limited extent providing the dosage was low. On the other hand, Turner et al. (1944) reported a slight growth depression with 0.1 percent iodinated protein in the ration. The effect of thyroprotein on body weight of chickens was found by Ackerson et al. (1950) and by Boone et al. (1950) to be inconsistent. Furthermore, Wheeler et al. (1948) reported a significant increase in the weight of Rhode …