Science · 1978 · 263 citations · 18 references
AgricultureAnimal SciencesPoultry SciencePoultry NutritionPoultry PhysiologyPoultry ReproductionNutritional Effects On ReproductionVitamin DVitamin D DeficiencyVitamin D MetabolismVitamin D NutritionVitamin NutritionBroiler HatchabilityChick HatchabilityCholecalciferol MetabolismDietary Vitamin D SourcesEgg HatchabilityVitamin D MetabolitesVitamin D PhysiologyVitamin D Synthesis
When hens are raised to sexual maturity from hatching with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] as their sole source of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), fertile eggs appear to develop normally but fail to hatch. When hens receive a combination of 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25(OH)2D3], hatchability equivalent to that with hens given vitamin D3 is obtained. These results suggest a biological role for 24,25(OH)2D3 not previously recognized.
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