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Nickel toxicity in growing chicks

Journal Article · · J. Nutr.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5603157
Two experiments have been conducted with chicks to determine the effects of high levels of dietary nickel on growth and nutrient utilization. Dietary nickel was supplied as either the acetate of sulfate salt at levels up to 1300 ppm in a basal diet calculated to be adequate in all known nutrients. Growth of chicks to 4 weeks of age was significantly depressed at 700 ppm nickel and above. Metabolizable energy determinations on the respective experimental diets suggested an impairment in energy metabolism at the higher levels of dietary nickel. Fat retentions were not affected by nickel, but a marked reduction in nitrogen retention was obtained with the higher dietary levels of nickel. In a second experiment, 1100 ppm nickel were incorporated into a basal diet and control diets pair-fed to delineate the effects associated with feed consumption and nickel toxicity per se. No significant differences in growth rate were obtained with either 1100 ppm nickel as the sulfate or acetate in comparison with the pair-fed controls. Nitrogen retention values were depressed in birds fed 1100 ppm nickel. 12 references, 5 tables.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Arizona, Tucson
OSTI ID:
5603157
Journal Information:
J. Nutr.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Nutr.; (United States) Vol. 95:4; ISSN JONUA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English