Why is Vitamin D supplementation important in poultry nutrition?

It may seem strange to hear that the conversation surrounding Vitamin D supplementation in poultry nutrition begins with Calcium.

But actually, one of the most critically important benefits of Vitamin D in poultry nutrition is in the support of Calcium absorption in the gut.

According to Richard Bailey, head of applied physiology at Aviagen:

“Calcium is also absorbed in the gut, but maximal absorption is only possible in the presence of vitamin D.” – Farmers Weekly

Calcium of course being critical to the performance of layers (for egg shell formation) and broilers (for bone growth).

And Vitamin D plays it’s vital part.

But what is we don’t supply enough Vitamin D in our poultry nutrition?

The bird’s bodies essentially ‘steal’ calcuim from the bones…i.e. the bone’s start weakening, as a result.

This bone weakining can lead to deformity which increases chances of carcass rejection at the broiler farming processing plant…which of course leads to loss of earnings.

“We need to make sure they have enough calcium, otherwise they are going to get a lot of bone resorption…” – Farmers Weekly

Coupled with this, Vitamin D has also been linked to the prevention of respiratory disease in poultry, which is a common threat in breeding.

That said, it is a balancing act – because there is a clear price to pay for overcompensating Vitamin D.

“The risk of too much vitamin D is that the birds become hypercalcaemic. Too much calcium in the blood can lead to kidney stones, gout and calcification of the blood vessels, so always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations…” Farmers Weekly

How sensitive are you to the requirements of Vitamin D in a successful poultry nutritional program?
Have you already practiced Vitamin D supplementation in poultry nutrition for your own farm?

Comment below…