Vitamin B3

Also known as Niacin

Too often I see people wondering why their ducks or geese suddenly struggle with walking. While this can have many causes, the most common issue is a deficiency in niacin, also known as vitamin B3. 
Niacin helps the body break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, while also supporting a healthy nervous system and skin. It is water-soluble, meaning it cannot be stored in the body for later use. Any excess B vitamins supplemented to your birds will simply pass through, resulting in expensive poop.
In chickens, a niacin deficiency is most often seen when they are fed an improper diet that lacks either niacin itself or the amino acid tryptophan.

Deficiencies in other vitamins or minerals can also contribute to a niacin deficiency. 

In chickens, a niacin deficiency is most often seen when they are fed an improper diet that lacks either niacin itself or the amino acid tryptophan.

Why tryptophan you may ask?
Tryptophan is a crucial function of the production of niacin. This is an amino acid, that has several functions in the body. Such as making melatonin, serotonin and also the liver use this amino acid to produce niacin to the body.

Niacin deficiency in Waterfowl 

Niacin deficiency in waterfowl is much more common than in other types of poultry.

They require about twice the amount of niacin compared to chickens. This is due to their limited ability to synthesize niacin from the amino acid tryptophan, as their livers contain high levels of the enzyme picolinic acid carboxylase, which reduces this conversion efficiency.

The deficiency is most commonly seen in ducklings, since they are often fed chick starter feed. However, chick starter does not contain enough niacin to meet the needs of ducklings.

Adult ducks are generally good foragers and will most likely find additional niacin in their environment, even if they are being fed chicken feed. Confined ducks, on the other hand, that rely solely on chicken feed, run a much higher risk of developing niacin deficiency.

Waterfowl Feed

Waterfowl feeds are hard to get your hands on. The market is not that big for Waterfowl feed and this also makes them more expensive. 

To keep your waterfowl healthy its important to have a feed suited for Waterfowl. If you feed a natural grain diet or a chick feed diet, its important to supplement niacin in some way. 

Versele-Laga Duck Pellet series:
For those of us in Europe, it is harder to find waterfowl-specific feed. I managed to get hold of this feed through Amazon, but the website Cyberzoo.se is also willing to custom order it for you. While niacin is not listed on the label, I contacted the company directly and they assured me that the feed does contain the correct amount of niacin for waterfowl.

Mazuri Duck Feed:
This is one of the specialized waterfowl feeds available on the market. Unfortunately, it appears to only be available in the United States. 

What are the symptoms of niacin deficiency?

  • Enlargement of the hock joint, which can cause the bird to walk with bowed legs, a pigeon-like gait, or avoid walking altogether. The leg may also appear swollen and feel warm.

  • Poor feathering.

  • Dermatitis on the feet and head.

  • Metabolic disorders affecting the skin and digestive organs.

  • Loss of appetite.

  • Weakness.

  • Digestive issues, such as diarrhea.

    • If left untreated, a niacin deficiency can ultimately lead to severe leg damage and permanent loss of mobility.


What are some good sources for niacin?

  • Brewer's Yeast:
    This is the most popular supplement for waterfowl worldwide. It is a by-product of the beer-brewing process and serves as a good source of protein, containing around 52%. However, it is primarily valued for its high content of B vitamins.
Other good natural sources of niacin are:
  • Peas
  • Beets
  • Fish
  • Sunflowerseeds 

Good supplement for niacin

Nekton-B
It comes as a water-soluble powder that can be added directly to their drinking water. I always recommend keeping this supplement, or something similar, on hand if you own waterfowl. Even the best and most attentive owner can still end up with a bird suffering from niacin deficiency. 

VISPUMIN 
This is a multivitamin, most likely only available in Europe. It comes as a powder that can be sprinkled on their feed. Unlike some other vitamin supplements, this one contains niacin, listed as nicotinic acid.

Sources:

Poultry DVM - Niacin Deficiency 

Meyer Hatchery - Why ducks need extra niacin

Niacin Deficiency in Ducks

Livsmedelverket - Niacin

Brewers Yeast 

Tryptophan 

Dela