The Effect of the Level of Vitamin D on Egg Production and Hatchability of Bronze Turkey Hens

Abstract

THE vitamin D requirements of adult chickens have been studied by many investigators; however, there is little information available on the vitamin D requirements of turkeys. Carver, Robertson, Brazie, Johnson, and St. John (1934) reported that 67 U.S.P. units of vitamin D per 100 grams of ration were necessary for egg production in the chicken. For satisfactory hatchability of the eggs, however, it was necessary to supply twice this amount of vitamin D. During the months of April to October, inclusive, sunlight alone met the requirements for satisfactory hatchability. Titus (1939) listed the vitamin D requirements of turkey breeding hense as 540 A.O.A.C. chick units per pound of feed (120 units per 100 grams of feed).It is usually recommended that turkey rations contain twice as much vitamin D as rations for chickens of the same age. The increased production of eggs and poults early in the season by supplying .