Riboflavin requirement of starting chickens in a tropical environment

Growth rate of broiler chicks tends to be lower in the tropics than in the temperate zone. Results show that up to 17% of dietary riboflavin is destroyed within 24 hours of exposure of the feed to light hence the level of 3.6 mg. of vitamin B2 recommended does not meet the requirement for growth of broilers. Growth study as well as accumulation of riboflavin in meat and organs of the birds showed that increasing levels of dietary riboflavin increases its deposition in meat and organs of the birds. Optimum growth of birds and storage of riboflavin in the body is attained in the tropical environment when 5.1 mg. of the vitamin is added per kg. of practical ration.