Biochemical responses of broiler chicks to folate deficiency.

The effects of folate sufficiency and deficiency in three pathways of folate metabolism were studied in 2-and 3-week-old broiler chicks. Erythrocyte phosphoribosylpyrophosphate concentrations and dihydrofolate reductase (EC 1.5.1.3) activity were significantly elevated in folate deficiency. Percentage incorporation of deoxyuridine into bone marrow DNA was reduced in folate deficiency. There was a trend towards reduced liver dihydrofolate reductase activity in deficient chicks. These studies identify further biochemical criteria that can be used to assess folate status of chicks.