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

