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Primary Endodermal Epithelial Cell Culture from the Yolk Sac Membrane of Japanese Quail Embryos
Published on: March 10, 2016
25-hydroxycholecalciferol in poultry nutrition
J H Soares1, J M Kerr, R W Gray
1Department of Animal Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA.
25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25-(OH)D3) is the most active vitamin D metabolite, supporting cellular functions and embryonic development in poultry. It shows higher efficacy and safety compared to vitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Animal Nutrition
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Vitamin D, a secosteroid complex, requires metabolic activation for biological activity.
- Ergocalciferol (D2) and cholecalciferol (D3) are parent compounds synthesized in plants and animals, respectively.
- Vitamin D binding proteins (DBP) transport vitamin D steroids, with varying affinities among metabolites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the biological activity and efficacy of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25-(OH)D3) as a sole vitamin D source in poultry.
- To compare the effects of 25-(OH)D3 with vitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) on poultry health and development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of vitamin D steroid binding affinities to DBP.
- Assessment of 25-(OH)D3's efficacy in feeding studies for poultry.
- Evaluation of hatchability and toxicity of different vitamin D metabolites in poultry diets.
Main Results:
- 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25-(OH)D3) exhibits significantly higher biological activity than vitamin D3, nearly doubling its efficacy.
- Poultry DBP binds D2 forms ineffectively, limiting the utility of ergocalciferol.
- Feeding studies indicate 25-(OH)D3 supports optimal fertility and hatchability, with no adverse effects at high dietary levels, unlike 1,25-(OH)2D3 which can be toxic.
Conclusions:
- 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25-(OH)D3) is the most potent and safest active metabolite of vitamin D3 for poultry.
- 25-(OH)D3 effectively supports cellular functions and embryonic development, making it a superior dietary source for chickens and turkeys.
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