Liver stearyl-CoA desaturase activity and fatness in birds. In vitro studies in the growing turkey and chicken.

1. Liver stearyl-CoA desaturase activity and total body fat were measured in 4-, 8- and 12-week-old turkeys and chickens reared together and fed either of two isocaloric diets differing in their protein content. 2. Chickens showed higher desaturase activity and body fatness as compared to turkeys. 3. These results have been discussed with special emphasis on the role of liver stearyl-CoA desaturase activity upon lipid transport and deposition in birds.