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Effects of Supplementary Water-Administered Vitamin D3 on Egg Shell Thickness1
Effects of Supplementary Water-Administered Vitamin D3 on Egg Shell Thickness1 A. I. IKEME, C. ROBERTS, 2 R. L. ADAMS, P. Y. HESTER, and W. J. STADELMAN Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 and Creighton Brothers, Warsaw, Indiana 46580 (Received for publication August 23, 1982)
1983 Poultry Science 62:1120-1122 INTRODUCTION
Thin-shelled eggs and eggs with rough shells account for the major portion of downgraded eggs. Yannakopoulos and Morris (1979) investigated the effect of pullet rations containing 37.5 or 150 g cholecalciferol/kg, 16 or 24 g 25-hydroxycholecalciferol/kg, or 37.5 g of cholecalciferol/kg with either 16 or 24 g 25-hydroxycholecalciferol/kg of feed. They reported that vitamin D supplemented pullet rations did not significantly influence shell quality or any other performance trait of birds when fed from 64 to 74 weeks of age. Shen et al. (1981) reported a sharp decrease in both egg production and shell quality when birds received a diet devoid of synthetic vitamin D 3 as compared to those fed 500 International Chick Units (ICU) vitamin D 3 /kg diet. Layers fed 125 or 250 ICU vitamin D 3 /kg diet also produced fewer eggs with poorer shell quality than layers fed 500 ICU vitamin D 3 /kg of feed. Vohra et al. (1979) reported that as compared to Leghorn hens fed a ration containing 1500 ICU vitamin D 3 /kg of diet, vitamin D 3 -deficient hens exhibited reduced egg production from 60 to 25%, reduced egg weight, and reduced shell thickness. Garlich and Wyatt
'Journal Paper No. 9027 of the Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station. 2 Creighton Brothers, Warsaw, IN 46580.
(1971) reported that vitamin D 3 in excess of 600 ICU/kg of feed had no beneficial effect on egg shell calcification. The minimum requirement for vitamin D 3 by the laying hen was reported to be 500 ICU/kg of feed by Garlich and Wyatt (1971) and National Research Council (NRC, 1977). Many complex factors control, influence, or are partially responsible for laying hens that produce eggs with shells of varying thickness and strength. Some field service persons have indicated that the administration of liquid vitamin D 3 in the drinking water of hens would result in improvement in shell quality even when the ration contained amounts greater than the recommended dietary requirement. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of liquid vitamin D 3 in the prevention of thin- or poor-shelled eggs. A literature search revealed no information regarding the effect of vitamin D 3 administered weekly in excess of recommended levels for a period of 1 year to laying hens. This study was designed to provide such information. MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 77,672 White Leghorn pullets was transferred from pullet to laying cages at 22 weeks of age. Pullets in one-half of the house served as controls while those in the other half received the vitamin D 3 -supplemented water. All birds received the ration listed in Table 1.
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Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh on June 8, 2015
ABSTRACT A total of 77,672 White Leghorn pullets, 22 weeks of age, was divided equally into a control and a treatment group. All hens were fed a commercial laying ration containing 5,478 International Chick Units (ICU) of vitamin D 3 per kilogram of feed. Hens in the treatment group were administered liquid vitamin D 3 via drinking water, one day per week, at a rate of 4,111 ICU D 3 /liter of water through 32 weeks of lay. All hens were then force molted. The effect of supplementary liquid vitamin D 3 on shell thickness was studied at approximately monthly periods over a 1-year laying period. Analysis of data, using a t test, showed no significant difference in shell thickness between treatment and control groups (P>.05). (Key words.- liquid vitamin D 3 , shell thickness)
RESEARCH NOTE
After approximately 8 months of production all hens were force molted and then returned to production for 5 months. Hens were force molted by water and feed deprivation methods described by Berg and Bearse (1947) with minor modifications to adjust to housing conditions. Hens were out of production about 4 weeks.
TABLE 1. Formula and analysis of laying ration Ingredient
(%) Ground yellow corn Soybean meal Corn gluten feed Meat and bone meal Calcium carbonate Dynafos Corn gluten meal Carrier with pryferm Salt DL-Methionine Nutrient analysis Metabolizable energy protein Fat
Fiber Calcium Phosphorus (available) Vitamin D 3
63.0 13.2 9.0 5.0 7.0 1.0 .65 .50 .35
.058 2,828 kcal/kg 17.09% 3.51% 2.92% 3.40% .50% 5,478 ICU/kg
TABLE 2. Effects of supplementary water-administered vitamin D3 on egg shell thickness Shell thickness Month of production
Calendar month
Vitamin D 3 supplemented a
Control b
, 1 2 5 6 7 8
March April July August September October
9 10 11 12 13
November December January February March
.368 .396 .363 .364 .362 .356
.413 .382 .380 .365 .362 .365
Force molted
Mean
.386 .374 .393 .386 .394 .377
.369 .358 .398 .406 .372 .379
The standard error for treatment group = .001. The standard error for control group = .001.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Egg shell thickness values are shown in Table 2. Analysis of data by a t test showed no significant difference in shell thickness between the treated and the control groups (P>.05). Throughout this study egg shell thickness values remained high, and the benefit of forced molting to improve shell quality was demonstrated. However, it is possible that liquid D 3 administered at the time a shell quality problem develops would have beneficial effects. The results of this experiment indicate that liquid vitamin D 3 administered via drinking water in excess of high levels already present in the basal diet does not significantly improve egg shell thickness of eggs from White Leghorns. No differences were observed in egg production or market quality grades of eggs produced by the two treatment groups. No statistical analysis of these data was attempted as values were almost identical. REFERENCES Berg, L. R., and G. E. Bearse, 1947. The changes in egg quality resulting from force molting White Leghorn yearling hens. Poultry Sci. 26:414—418. Garlich, J. D., and R. D. Wyatt, 1971. Effects of
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh on June 8, 2015
This ration contained 5,478 ICU of vitamin D 3 /kg of feed, which was more than 10 X the level recommended by the NRC (1977). This level of vitamin D 3 was used as it was the standard commercial ration used on this farm. Birds in the treatment group were administered liquid vitamin D 3 in emulsion form via the drinking water every Tuesday for 1 yr at a rate of 4,111 ICU of D 3 /liter of water. This level is that recommended by vitamin D 3 suppliers. A Swish cup watering system was used. The liquid D 3 was administered via a water medication unit. Samples of 50 eggs, taken from the same location each time, were obtained from each of the two groups at approximately 28-day intervals. No data were obtained for months 3 and 4. Each egg was broken and the shell thickness (shell with membrane attached) measured on three different sides of the equator. A convex anvil paper thickness gauge was used. The average of the three measurements was calculated. Records were kept of production and market quality of eggs produced.
1121
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IKEME ET AL.
increased vitamin D 3 on calcium retention and egg shell calcification. Poultry Sci. 50:950—956. National Research Council, 1977. Nutrient Requirements of Domestic Animals. 1. Nutrient Requirements of Poultry. Natl. Acad. Sci., Washington, DC. Shen, H., J. D. Summers, and S. Leeson, 1981. Egg production and shell quality of layers fed various levels of vitamin D 3 . Poultry Sci. 60:1485-1490.
Vohra, P., T. D. Siopes, and W. O. Wilson, 1979. Egg production and body weight changes of Japanese quail and Leghorn hens following deprivation of either calcium or vitamin D 3 . Poultry Sci. 58: 432-440. Yannakopoulos, A. L., and T. R. Morris, 1979. Effect of light, vitamin D and dietary phosphorous on egg shell quality late in the pullet layer year. Br. Poult. Sci. 20:337-342.
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh on June 8, 2015
1983 Poultry Science 62:1120-1122 INTRODUCTION
Thin-shelled eggs and eggs with rough shells account for the major portion of downgraded eggs. Yannakopoulos and Morris (1979) investigated the effect of pullet rations containing 37.5 or 150 g cholecalciferol/kg, 16 or 24 g 25-hydroxycholecalciferol/kg, or 37.5 g of cholecalciferol/kg with either 16 or 24 g 25-hydroxycholecalciferol/kg of feed. They reported that vitamin D supplemented pullet rations did not significantly influence shell quality or any other performance trait of birds when fed from 64 to 74 weeks of age. Shen et al. (1981) reported a sharp decrease in both egg production and shell quality when birds received a diet devoid of synthetic vitamin D 3 as compared to those fed 500 International Chick Units (ICU) vitamin D 3 /kg diet. Layers fed 125 or 250 ICU vitamin D 3 /kg diet also produced fewer eggs with poorer shell quality than layers fed 500 ICU vitamin D 3 /kg of feed. Vohra et al. (1979) reported that as compared to Leghorn hens fed a ration containing 1500 ICU vitamin D 3 /kg of diet, vitamin D 3 -deficient hens exhibited reduced egg production from 60 to 25%, reduced egg weight, and reduced shell thickness. Garlich and Wyatt
'Journal Paper No. 9027 of the Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station. 2 Creighton Brothers, Warsaw, IN 46580.
(1971) reported that vitamin D 3 in excess of 600 ICU/kg of feed had no beneficial effect on egg shell calcification. The minimum requirement for vitamin D 3 by the laying hen was reported to be 500 ICU/kg of feed by Garlich and Wyatt (1971) and National Research Council (NRC, 1977). Many complex factors control, influence, or are partially responsible for laying hens that produce eggs with shells of varying thickness and strength. Some field service persons have indicated that the administration of liquid vitamin D 3 in the drinking water of hens would result in improvement in shell quality even when the ration contained amounts greater than the recommended dietary requirement. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of liquid vitamin D 3 in the prevention of thin- or poor-shelled eggs. A literature search revealed no information regarding the effect of vitamin D 3 administered weekly in excess of recommended levels for a period of 1 year to laying hens. This study was designed to provide such information. MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 77,672 White Leghorn pullets was transferred from pullet to laying cages at 22 weeks of age. Pullets in one-half of the house served as controls while those in the other half received the vitamin D 3 -supplemented water. All birds received the ration listed in Table 1.
1120
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh on June 8, 2015
ABSTRACT A total of 77,672 White Leghorn pullets, 22 weeks of age, was divided equally into a control and a treatment group. All hens were fed a commercial laying ration containing 5,478 International Chick Units (ICU) of vitamin D 3 per kilogram of feed. Hens in the treatment group were administered liquid vitamin D 3 via drinking water, one day per week, at a rate of 4,111 ICU D 3 /liter of water through 32 weeks of lay. All hens were then force molted. The effect of supplementary liquid vitamin D 3 on shell thickness was studied at approximately monthly periods over a 1-year laying period. Analysis of data, using a t test, showed no significant difference in shell thickness between treatment and control groups (P>.05). (Key words.- liquid vitamin D 3 , shell thickness)
RESEARCH NOTE
After approximately 8 months of production all hens were force molted and then returned to production for 5 months. Hens were force molted by water and feed deprivation methods described by Berg and Bearse (1947) with minor modifications to adjust to housing conditions. Hens were out of production about 4 weeks.
TABLE 1. Formula and analysis of laying ration Ingredient
(%) Ground yellow corn Soybean meal Corn gluten feed Meat and bone meal Calcium carbonate Dynafos Corn gluten meal Carrier with pryferm Salt DL-Methionine Nutrient analysis Metabolizable energy protein Fat
Fiber Calcium Phosphorus (available) Vitamin D 3
63.0 13.2 9.0 5.0 7.0 1.0 .65 .50 .35
.058 2,828 kcal/kg 17.09% 3.51% 2.92% 3.40% .50% 5,478 ICU/kg
TABLE 2. Effects of supplementary water-administered vitamin D3 on egg shell thickness Shell thickness Month of production
Calendar month
Vitamin D 3 supplemented a
Control b
, 1 2 5 6 7 8
March April July August September October
9 10 11 12 13
November December January February March
.368 .396 .363 .364 .362 .356
.413 .382 .380 .365 .362 .365
Force molted
Mean
.386 .374 .393 .386 .394 .377
.369 .358 .398 .406 .372 .379
The standard error for treatment group = .001. The standard error for control group = .001.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Egg shell thickness values are shown in Table 2. Analysis of data by a t test showed no significant difference in shell thickness between the treated and the control groups (P>.05). Throughout this study egg shell thickness values remained high, and the benefit of forced molting to improve shell quality was demonstrated. However, it is possible that liquid D 3 administered at the time a shell quality problem develops would have beneficial effects. The results of this experiment indicate that liquid vitamin D 3 administered via drinking water in excess of high levels already present in the basal diet does not significantly improve egg shell thickness of eggs from White Leghorns. No differences were observed in egg production or market quality grades of eggs produced by the two treatment groups. No statistical analysis of these data was attempted as values were almost identical. REFERENCES Berg, L. R., and G. E. Bearse, 1947. The changes in egg quality resulting from force molting White Leghorn yearling hens. Poultry Sci. 26:414—418. Garlich, J. D., and R. D. Wyatt, 1971. Effects of
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh on June 8, 2015
This ration contained 5,478 ICU of vitamin D 3 /kg of feed, which was more than 10 X the level recommended by the NRC (1977). This level of vitamin D 3 was used as it was the standard commercial ration used on this farm. Birds in the treatment group were administered liquid vitamin D 3 in emulsion form via the drinking water every Tuesday for 1 yr at a rate of 4,111 ICU of D 3 /liter of water. This level is that recommended by vitamin D 3 suppliers. A Swish cup watering system was used. The liquid D 3 was administered via a water medication unit. Samples of 50 eggs, taken from the same location each time, were obtained from each of the two groups at approximately 28-day intervals. No data were obtained for months 3 and 4. Each egg was broken and the shell thickness (shell with membrane attached) measured on three different sides of the equator. A convex anvil paper thickness gauge was used. The average of the three measurements was calculated. Records were kept of production and market quality of eggs produced.
1121
1122
IKEME ET AL.
increased vitamin D 3 on calcium retention and egg shell calcification. Poultry Sci. 50:950—956. National Research Council, 1977. Nutrient Requirements of Domestic Animals. 1. Nutrient Requirements of Poultry. Natl. Acad. Sci., Washington, DC. Shen, H., J. D. Summers, and S. Leeson, 1981. Egg production and shell quality of layers fed various levels of vitamin D 3 . Poultry Sci. 60:1485-1490.
Vohra, P., T. D. Siopes, and W. O. Wilson, 1979. Egg production and body weight changes of Japanese quail and Leghorn hens following deprivation of either calcium or vitamin D 3 . Poultry Sci. 58: 432-440. Yannakopoulos, A. L., and T. R. Morris, 1979. Effect of light, vitamin D and dietary phosphorous on egg shell quality late in the pullet layer year. Br. Poult. Sci. 20:337-342.
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh on June 8, 2015