The Effects of a Pectic Enzyme on the Growth-Depressing and Rachitogenic Properties of Rye for Chicks

Abstract Rye has growth-depressing and rachitogenic properties when fed to chicks. Growth depression also is observed when chicks are fed certain polysaccharides, particularly pectin. Rye has about 8% pectin-like material. A commercially available pectic enzyme preparation was fed to chicks at .1% of the rye diet. This enzyme permitted better utilization of rye for growth and also alleviated the rachitogenic effects of rye. The supplemental enzyme permitted maximal bone mineralization with 200 to 300 ICU of vitamin D3/kg diet, whereas 500 ICU/kg otherwise were required with rye diets.