NUTRITION ▶▶▶
Figure 2 - Effect of botanical vitamin D3 on (A) eggshell mass, (B) laying performance in older layers and (C) feed conversion ratio in broilers.
A 6.2 6,11 5,85 5.8 80 5.4 77.5 5 Cholecalciferol
+ Herbal vitamin D3
Agricultural University of Athens, 2020 p=(≤0,05)
production stages. These phytogenic products contain the bio-active form of vitamin D, enabling tailor-made products which contain supplementation to meet the animals’ specific requirements.
Targeted approach The complex and sensitive metabolism with the involvement of several organs means that supplying large amounts of vita- min D in the feed does not necessarily translate into in- creased performance, as it will not necessarily ameliorate possible Ca and P-related disorders. In other words, the vita- min D content of the feed on its own provides no indication of how well the animal can make use of it. In laying hens, however, the vitamin D content of the feed is fixed through- out the entire production. This does not reflect the decreas- ing metabolic functioning of the organs in the later stages of laying. Additional stress factors inhibiting calcium and phos- phorus metabolism, such as heat stress or glucocorticoid re- lease, also affect the utilisation of vitamin D. In these challenging situations, bio-active vitamin D from phytogenic sources may be the solution. This form has the benefit of being directly available to the organism. Further- more, it can be simply used ‘on top’ of the standard cholecal- ciferol in the feed. Consequently, organs stressed by the high production level are relieved and a continuous vitamin D supply is guaranteed. However, when supplementing bio-ac- tive vitamin D it is necessary to pay attention to the correct amount, to avoid counterproductive effects. The benefits of the bio-active and plant-derived form of vitamin D have been scientifically proven. Studies show improved eggshell quality, maintained laying performance and modulation of the immune system, resulting in improved feed conversion (Figure 2).
Cholecalciferol 75 Cholecalciferol
+ Herbal vitamin D3
LfL Kitzingen, 2019 Cholecalciferol 1.2 Cholecalciferol
+ Herbal vitamin D3
Cholecalciferol + Calcidiol
Technical University Bingen, 2020 p=(≤0,05)
79,3b 1.4 B 85 83,1a 82.5 1.47a C 1.6 1.55b
Trend towards plant-based solutions There is an increasing trend in animal nutrition towards the use of natural additives to target the specific needs of the ani- mal. These natural strategies include the use of phytogenic vi- tamin D sources to offer a tailored supply for high-perfor- mance livestock. Phytogenic vitamin D provides an optimum means of maintaining and even raising productivity in times of high metabolic pressure or increased stress and thus appears to be an attractive new tool for use in poultry nutrition.
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▶ POULTRY WORLD | No. 4, 2021
Eggshell Mass (g)
Laying Performance (%) Week 73 – 81
Feed Conversion Ratio
PHOTO: MARCEL BERENDSEN
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