Vitamin b3 Also known as Niacin

All too often, I see people wondering why their ducks or geese suddenly have difficulty walking.

Although this can have many causes, the most common cause is a deficiency in niacin, also known as vitamin B3.

Vitamin B3, or Its Other Name, “Niacin”

Niacin helps the body break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins while also supporting a healthy nervous system and skin. It is water-soluble, which means it cannot be stored in the body for later use. Any excess B vitamins added to the diet simply pass through the body, resulting in expensive “poop” costs.

In chickens, niacin deficiency most often occurs when they are fed an inadequate diet that lacks either niacin itself or the amino acid tryptophan. A deficiency in other vitamins or minerals can also contribute to niacin deficiency.

Why tryptophan, you might wonder?

Tryptophan is essential for the production of niacin. It is an amino acid with several important functions in the body, including the production of melatonin and serotonin. In addition, the liver uses this amino acid to produce niacin for the body.

Niacin Deficiency in Waterfowl

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

Waterfowl require approximately twice as much niacin as chickens. This is due to their limited ability to convert the amino acid tryptophan into niacin, as their livers contain high levels of the enzyme picolinic acid carboxylase, which reduces the efficiency of this conversion.

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

Adult ducks are generally good at foraging and are likely to obtain additional niacin from their surroundings, even when fed chick feed. However, confined ducks that rely entirely on chick feed are at a much higher risk of developing niacin deficiency.

What Are the Symptoms of Niacin Deficiency?

Enlargement of the hock joint, which can cause the bird to walk with bent legs, develop a “pigeon-toed” gait, or avoid walking altogether. The leg may also appear swollen and feel warm.
Poor feather quality.
Dermatitis on the feet and head.
Metabolic disorders affecting the skin and digestive system.
Loss of appetite.
Weakness.
Digestive problems, such as diarrhea.

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

Feed for Waterfowl

Feed specifically formulated for waterfowl can be difficult to find. The market is relatively small, which also makes this type of feed more expensive.

To keep your waterfowl healthy, it is important to provide feed that is formulated specifically for their nutritional needs. If you feed a natural grain-based diet or chick feed, it is important to supplement the diet with niacin in some form.

Versele-Laga Duck Pellet Series

For those of us in Europe, it can be more difficult to find feed specifically formulated for waterfowl. I managed to get hold of this feed through Amazon, but the website Cyberzoo.se is also willing to order it for you. Although niacin is not listed on the label, I contacted the company directly, and they assured me that the feed contains the appropriate amount of niacin for waterfowl.

Mazuri Waterfowl series

Mazuri Waterfowl is a range of complete diets specifically formulated for ducks, geese, swans, and other waterfowl. The range includes formulas for young birds, adult maintenance, egg-laying birds, and sea ducks.

The diets contain essential vitamins and minerals, including niacin (vitamin B3), which is especially important for growing waterfowl and supports normal growth, development, and healthy legs.

The range includes Waterfowl Starter, Maintenance, Layer, and Sea Duck Diet, providing specialized nutrition for different stages and types of waterfowl.

Unfortunately this one is really hard to get your hands on in Europe.

Good Sources of Niacin

Nutritional yeast:
This is one of the most popular supplements for waterfowl worldwide. It is a byproduct of beer production and is a good source of protein, containing approximately 52% protein. However, it is primarily valued for its high content of B vitamins. It is also known as brewer’s yeast or beer yeast.

Other good natural sources of niacin:

Peas
Beets
Fish
Sunflower seeds

Niacin Supplements

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 keep waterfowl. Even the most careful and attentive owner can still find themselves dealing with a bird that develops a niacin deficiency.

VISPUMIN

This is a multivitamin supplement, likely only available in Europe. It comes in powder form and can be sprinkled over their feed. Unlike some other vitamin supplements, it 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