Vitamins

 

Vitamins are substances that a body needs to grow and develop normally. There are 13 vitamins which are required for the body to grow normally. They are

• Vitamin A
• B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and folate)
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K

There are two types of Vitamins:

Fat Soluble Vitamins:

Vitamin A, D, E & K are known as fat soluble vitamins, because they are soluble in organic solvents. They absorbed and transport same like fat.

Water Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin B (Complex) & C are water soluble. 

VITAMIN A

 

Functions:

Essential for growth, vision and maintenance of epithelial lining.

Easily oxidized in feed

Normal values in feed:

            Layer                           Breeder                     Broiler

            3000 IU/lb                   2000 IU/lb                2000 IU/lb

 

Deficiency Signs:

• On deficient diet signs begin to appear at about 20 days
• Retarded growth and ruffled feathers
• Decreased egg production and hatchability
• Watery discharge from nostrils & eyes (Roup)
• Xerophthalmia
• Decreased sperm count and motility in cocks

 

 

 

VITAMIN D

 

Chemistry:

• Cholecalciferol  D3  melts at 114 to 117C has four double bonds
• Ergocalciferol D2 melts at 166C has three double bonds

Functions:

• Absorption of calcium and phosphorus in bone
• Eggshell development

 

 

Sources:

Sunlight and fish liver oils.

Levels: (IU)

Broiler ration:              1,00,0000      

Breeder Rations:         2,000,000      

 

Deficiency symptoms

• Rickets, Soft-shelled egg, Calcium crystals on eggshells,
• Lowered egg production, reduced hatchability

 

 

VITAMIN E

 

Chemistry:

 

• Eight naturally occurring forms two groups,
• Saturated and unsaturated

Functions:

Productivity of the cells and for blood formation

Sources:

Whole grains and alfalfa meal

Levels: [IU]

Breeder ration             2000

Broiler ration               2000

Deficiency Symptoms

• Nutritional encephalomalacia
• Male sterility
• Embryonic mortality

 

 

VITAMIN K

 

Chemistry

• K1 (phyllquinone)
• K2 (multiprenylmenaquinone)
• K3 (menaphthone)

Functions

• Synthesis of prothrombin
• Blood clotting

Sources

Alfalfa meal, meat scrap and fish meal

 

 

Levels: [mg]

            Broiler ration   Starter             2,000  

                                    Grower            1,000

                                    Finisher           1,000

Deficiency symptoms:

• Hemorrhagic syndrome
• Rupture of blood vessels

 

 

VITAMIN C

 

Chemistry:

• Vitamin C is present in two forms oxidized and reduced
• Both forms are biologically active

Functions

• Formation and maintenance of intercellular material
• Formation of hydroxyproline
• Tyrosine metabolism
• Conversion of Folic acid to folinic acid
• Embryo growth
• •

 

 

Source:

• Citrus fruits
• Not required for chicken ration b/c bird can synthesize it

Deficiency Problems:

Scurvy, ulcerated gums, loosening of teeth