Nitrogen loss from laying hens and chickens as scurf and feathers

Synopsis

A method is outlined for the estimation of daily dermal nitrogen losses as scurf and feathers from hens and chickens. These losses have been estimated in conjunction with nitrogen balance determinations. The losses from hens varied between 0.5 and 1.4 per cent of the total nitrogen loss, while that of chickens was 5.2 per cent of the total nitrogen loss. The greater loss from chickens is attributed to active feather formation by 5‐week‐old chickens.