Classic and Non-Classic Effects of the Duration of Supplementation of 25-Hydroxicholecalciferol in Broiler Chicken Diets

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine the effect of different times of supplementation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3) in broiler chickens on the performance, carcass and cuts yield, bone resistance, plasma concentration of 25(OH)D3, and expression of the mTOR gene. The treatments were a control diet (CD) supplemented with 3000 IU vitamin D3/kg of feed from 1 to 46 d, or the CD + 2760 IU (69 mcg) of 25(OH)D3/kg of feed from 1 to 21 d, from 1 to 35 d, or from 1 to 46 d. The period of supplementation of 25(OH)D3 did not affect the growth performance of broilers, but the breast meat yield was linearly increased in response to increasing days of supplementation (p < 0.05). Birds supplemented with 25(OH)D3 at the time of the analysis showed an increase (p < 0.05) in the plasma concentration of 25(OH)D3 when compared to non-supplemented birds. The mTOR gene expression (p < 0.05), and breast protein deposition (p < 0.05) presented a quadratic response related to the supplementation period of 25(OH)D3. The fat content of the breast linearly decreased (p < 0.05) as the period of supplementation was extended. The results also showed a positive linear correlation between mTOR expression and 25(OH)D3 plasma levels (r = 0.593; p < 0.05).

Comparative Study of the Effects of Two Dietary Sources of Vitamin D on the Bone Metabolism, Welfare and Birth Progress of Sows Fed Protein- and Phosphorus-Reduced Diets

“…Studies conducted in humans have shown that there is a correlation between low vitamin D status and increased body fat percentages [33,34]. Furthermore, it was shown in fattening broiler chicks that a supplementation with 25-OHD 3 accompanied by higher plasma concentrations of 25-OHD 3 stimulates breast muscle development and increases protein deposition, probably via the mTOR pathway [35,36]. In the present study, dietary supplementation with 25-OHD 3 had no effect on daily feed intake in lactation and the change in body weight during gestation and lactation.…”