Role of cholecalciferol in chicken

What is it about?

This review provides information on the evaluation of cholecalciferol sources, metabolites, requirements for cholecalciferol in birds, its effect on hatchability of fertile eggs and its impact on immunity. Notable beneficial effects have been seen on body weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency in both broilers and laying hens. Cholecalciferol can provide beneficial effects on egg quality by increasing egg production, egg and shell weight, and shell strength by increasing thickness. It has a significant effect on the immune system and can help in the suppression of certain autoimmune diseases. The possible mechanisms contributing to these effects and the factors thought to explain the variability in these responses are discussed. Overall, cholecalciferol and its metabolites have been shown to greatly improve the performance of both types of commercial chickens, which can lead to enhanced production and a reduction in feed costs. The authors recommend a modified feeding programme containing higher levels of vitamin D3 supplementation than the NRC (1994) requirements in order to allow for sufficient skeletal growth in the starter and finisher diets of broilers.

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Why is it important?

The aim of this review paperis to give an overview of effective role of cholecalciferol on bird's performance, prevention of leg abnormalities and immunity. The main functions of cholecalciferol are to maintain the blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. It is necessary for the absorption of these substances from the small intestine and for the mineralisation of bones. It regulates the parathyroid growth and parathyroid hormone production. It has a considerable effect on the immune system and can assist in the suppression of certain autoimmune diseases.

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