The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1923-09-14
LEG Weakness" Is Indicated
When Toes Draw Backwards
or Turn to Either Side.
IS COMPARABLE TO RICKETS
10 characterized by Deficiency Of Limo
and Phosphatss In Bones and Lack
Of RIodity-cod-LIver Oil
Effective.
prepared ~ the United States Department
Of AgricuitureJ

| prepared ~ the United States Department
Of Agricuiturs.)
Early-hatched chicks frequently de-
velop the condition known as "leg-
weakness say specialists Of the Unit
ed States Department Of Agriculture.
Its onset Is indicated when the toes
draw backwards or turn to either side.
Later there Is lameness, incoordina-
ton Of movement, and distinct weak
ness Of one or both legs. At times the
bill becomes twisted and causes difi-
Guilty in feeding.
This condition should not be con-
fused with the infectious diseases OF
baby chicks such as, bacillary white
pneumonia; for In the former case
the weakness Of the legs is the most
marked symptom. while in the latter
cases 1t develops shortly before the
death Of the bird and only as result
Of general bodily weakness. Also, the
course Of the condition Is not so acute
as is that of the infectious diseases,
and the mortality is not as high.
Comparable to Ricketts,.
Leg weakness" In chicks is COM
parable to ricketts, In other young an
imals. 1t depends primarily on inter-
ference with normal nutrition Of the
body. 1t II characterized by q def
cheney Of lime and phosphates In the
bones and, consequently, a lack Of
rtgidity. The deficiency may be due
to insufficient bone-forming substances
In the feed. or to the failure of the
body to properly utilize the material
available.
1t has become apparent that q num-
Der Of conditions other than mineral
shortage may affect the system of the
chick In such a manner as to interfere
with nutrition and bring on "leg weak
ness" Among these may be mentioned
lack Of certain vitamins which infiu-
ence digestion and assimilation OF
food, close confinement with little room
for exercise, absence OF sunlight, cold
and dampness, concentrated feed I'M
accompanied by green or other bulky |
feed, and little or no animal proteins.
To counterfeit "leg weakness" any
of the conditions given. II present,
should be corrected. A monotoaous
ration and overlooking should be
Green feed IL possible, or
sour milk, should be provided. The
chicks should be allowed outside range
and sunlight as early as possible.
Placing sod in the brooder Is beneficial.
Also keep broken oyster shell, or cal
rum phosphate available.
Cod-Llver OIL 10 Effective.
The United States Department Of
Agriculture states that the best med
cal treatment for chicks which are be-
ng raised under conditions conducive
% "leg weakness" Is cod-liver OIL This
las specific effect upon lime and
phosphate metabolism within the body.
md promotes normal bone formation.
{ Is rich in all yitamlns, but appar-
'ntly contains a special vitamn which
concerns itself with the disposition of
t least some Of the minerals required
n the animal system. Cod-liver oil
nay be mixed with the feed for both
ffected and apparently healthy birds
n sufficient amount SO that each chick
FILL get about I'VE drops daily. II
erves both as treatment and pre- ,,
entive OF the rachitic type OF "leg
'eakness."