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25-OH D3 Effect on Muscle Development in Broilers

Vitamin D is best known for its role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism in relation to skeletal development, maintenance, and production parameters such as eggshell quality. There are two other critical roles vitamin D plays in the body, more specifically the role the metabolites play. The kidney is not the only place vitamin D metabolism occurs. Metabolism of 25-OH D3 to 1,25diOHD3 occurs in many tissues involved in paracrine and autocrine function such as skin, cells of the immune system, parathyroid gland, intestinal epithelium, and muscle cells. This discovery led to more research exploring the unrealized benefits of dietary 25-OH D3.

Avian Metapneumovirus

Avian metapneumovirus (AMPV) is a highly contagious upper respiratory disease that affects poultry worldwide. Historically, only subtype C was reported in the United States. However, the 2024 outbreak has seen subtypes A and B emerge in 9 states, impacting various poultry types. AMPV manifests with conjunctivitis, nasal exudate, and periorbital swelling, often leading to secondary infections. Although no US-approved vaccines exist, implementing proper biosecurity, management, and regular testing is crucial for controlling the virus.

Understanding How Vitamin D Can Support the Health and Well-Being of Animals

Adequate levels of vitamin D are critical to support animal and human health. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in the physiological regulation of Ca/P and bone growth, and there’s increasing recognition for its importance in immunity. Currently, serum 25-OH D3 is the most widely accepted biomarker to measure levels of vitamin D in humans and animals due to its high blood concentration and long half-life. While vitamin D3 (present in some animal-based ingredients) and vitamin D2 (present in some plants) can be dietary sources to supplement the variable synthesis of vitamin D3 from sunlight and UVB exposure to skin, 25-OH D3 (Hy-D®) is a highly researched and commonly used dietary source to ensure optimum levels of vitamin D in food animals.