FEATHER GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Many studies have reported the influence of various nutrients on feather structure and development. Among the most frequently reported are amino acid deficiencies with the sulphur amino acids, especially cystine, being quantitatively the most important. Since protein requirements for feather growth comprise a significant portion of total protein requirements, amino acid deficiencies are readily observed in altered feather growth. Although the influence of various nutrients on feather development has long been recognized, it is only recently that the economic importance of feather growth and the necessity of providing adequate nutrients have been fully appreciated. Amino acid requirements may vary with rate of feathering, and there is evidence to suggest that strains with genetically distinct rates of feathering may have different nutrient requirements.