Relative toxicity and metabolic effects of cholecalciferol and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in chicks.

The relative toxicity and metabolic effectiveness of cholecalciferol (CC) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-HCC) in chicks were evaluated by feeding six graded levels of each and observing gross and microscopic pathology as well as several metabolic parameters of calcium metabolism. Renal tubular calcification was observed when CC was fed at the rate of 10.0 mg/kg of diet and when 25-HCC was fed at the rate of 0.1 mg/kg diet. Thus, 100-fold increase in toxicity results when the hydroxylated form of CC is fed. Both microscopic renal lesions and increased renal calcium and inorganic phosphate concentrations occurred in chicks with normal serum calcium concentrations.