Studies on a Hatchability Depressing Factor in Cottonseed Oil

Abstract

RINGROSE, Morgan and Lease (1941) reported that crude cottonseed oil markedly reduced the hatchability of eggs from hens fed a practical laying ration. When the crude oil was fed at a level of 3.6% of the ration, hatchability was reduced from 80% to less than 30%. Commercially refined cottonseed oil (Wesson Oil), crude soybean oil and crude peanut oil did not affect hatchability. In addition, oxidation or heating of the crude cottonseed oil failed to destroy the hatchability depressing factor. On the other hand, hydrogenation of the crude cottonseed oil completely destroyed the hatchability depressing effect. The saponifiable fraction of the crude cottonseed oil contained the factor but the non-saponifible fraction had no effect on hatchability. The distillable ethyl esters of the fatty acids from the cottonseed oil did not affect hatchability. Finally, it was shown that dietary supplements of 5% dried pork liver or the administration of capsules containing …