Influence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on the performance of commercial laying hens.

An experiment was conducted to determine the influence of adding 4 micrograms/kg of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] to the diet of 68-wk-old commercial egg production-type hens. The addition of the 1,25(OH)2D3 to the diet for 21 days resulted in significantly decreased egg production, egg weight, and feed consumption, and significantly increased plasma P, and bone-breaking load. Specific gravity of eggs, plasma Ca, tibia ash, and fertility and hatchability of eggs were not significantly affected by the addition of 1,25(OH)2D3 to the diet.