Choline is a vitamin-like essential nutrient that serves several important functions in the chicken's body. It is a metabolic essential for building and maintaining cell structure, and plays an essential role in fat metabolism in the liver. It prevents abnormal accumulation of fat (fatty liver). Choline is essential for the formation of acetylcholine, a substance that makes possible the transmission of nerve impulses.
Choline Deficiency in Chickens
Choline deficiency is more likely to be a problem in young, growing chicks. The choline requirement of growing chicks decreases with age as it is generally not possible to produce a deficiency at an age over eight weeks. Clinical signs most commonly observed include:
- Stunted growth
- Perosis, leading to slipped tendon
Choline Food Sources
All naturally occurring fats contain some choline, and thus, it is supplied by all feeds that contain fat. Egg yolk, germ of cereals, legumes and oilseed meals are good sources of choline. Corn is low in choline, with wheat, barley and oats containing approximately twice as much choline as corn.
Choline Nutritional Requirements
The choline requirements for chickens range from 200 to 700 mg/kg of the diet. Generally, adult chickens are thought to synthesize the vitamin in adequate quantities. Feeding young chicks a diet with excess dietary protein or high in fat increases their choline requirement.
| Age/Life Stage | mg/kg |
|---|
| Newly Hatched Chicks (0 - 10 wks) | 200-400 |
| Young & Growing (10 - 20 wks) | 200-400 |
| Laying hens (Actively laying eggs) | 300-500 |
| Breeders (20 wks & older)* | 300-500 |
| Broiler/'Meat' Breed Chicks (0-18 wks) | 350-700 |
| Broiler/'Meat' Breeds* (19 wks & older) | 350-700 |
