Breeders at 46 weeks of age supplemented with 1,25(OH)2D3-G produce heavier chicks at hatch, with improved bone health and immunity at 21 days of age

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol glycoside (1,25(OH)2D3-G) on performance, intestinal histomorphometry, blood biochemistry, bone health, and gene expression in broilers from breeders. A total of 1,152 one-day-old male Ross 308 AP chicks were assigned to a completely randomized 2 × 3 factorial design. One factor was the supplementation (0 or 100 mg kg⁻¹) of 1,25(OH)2D3-G in breeders' diets from 21 to 46 weeks. The other was its supplementation (0, 50, 100 mg kg⁻¹) in broiler diets from 1 to 21 days. The experiment consisted of six treatments, eight replications, and 24 birds per experimental unit. Supplementation of 1,25(OH)2D3-G in breeders increased chick hatch weight and improved bone health in broilers at 21 days, with higher calcium and phosphorus deposition and greater tibia strength. It also increased calbindin D28K, interleukin 10, and interleukin 1β in the jejunum. Broilers supplemented with 50 mg kg⁻¹ showed greater phosphorus deposition in the tibia, while those receiving 50 or 100 mg kg⁻¹ had higher interleukin 10 when sourced from supplemented breeders. This study concludes that supplementation with 100 mg kg⁻¹ of 1,25(OH)2D3-G in breeders produces heavier chicks at hatch and enhances bone health and immunity in broilers at 21 days.