The effects of 1a(OH)D ₃ individually or in combination with phytase, and different levels of cholecalciferol on performance, tibia criteria, and plasma minerals of Japanese quails

ABSTRACT.

The aim of studywas to compare efficacy of 1-α(OH)D₃ alone or in combination with phytase and 1-α(OH)D₃ in combination of phytase and different concentration of cholecalciferol on performance, tibia parameters, andplasma minerals of quails fed Ca-P deficient diet. A total of 280 mixed sex 5-d-old quails were allocated to 7 treatments with 5 replicates. The vitamin supplement which incorporated to basal diet did not contain cholecalciferol. The dietary treatments were as follows: Ca-P deficient diet (basal diet); basal diet + 500 FTU phytase/kg of diet; basal diet + phytase + 5 μg of 1-α(OH)D₃ kg^-1 of diet;basal diet + phytase + 5 μg of 1-α(OH)D₃ and 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 IU of cholecalciferol kg^-1of diet. The highest final body weight and the best feed conversion ratioobtained in the group supplemented with 1,000 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet (p < 0.05). Supplementation of 1-α(OH)D₃ alone or in combination with phytase and phytase and different concentration of cholecalciferol could improve tibia parameters (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of 1-α(OH)D₃ alone to Ca-P deficient diet could maximize tibia mineralization, whereas it couldn't maximize performance, performance criteria were maximized by supplementation of 1,000 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet.

Keywords:
bone mineralization; Ca and P deficiency; cholecalciferol; phytase; 1-α(OH)D₃; serum minerals

Introduction

Commonly, vitamin D₃ has been consumed in birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese nutrition as a forebear for calcitriol. In recent years however, vitamin D metabolites such as 25 hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD₃) has been successfully consumed in bird’s nutrition.After the successful commercialization processof 25-OHD₃, there has been more fondness from poultry nutritionist to test the possibility of supplementing1-alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol (1-α(OH)D₃) as a precursor for calcitriol (Ghasemi, Toghyani, & Landy, 2018; Landy & Toghyani 2014).Edwards Junior, Shirley, Escoe, and Pesti, (2002) evaluated the possibility of using 1-α(OH)D₃ as a replacement for cholecalciferol in broiler chicken nutrition; the results indicated that the activity of 1-α(OH)D₃ is nearlyeight times as effective as cholecalciferol. Similarly, Landy and Toghyani, (2014) reported that substitution of 5,000 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet with 5 μg of 1-α(OH)D₃ kg^-1 of diet resulted in better performance and tibia quality of broiler chickens.Snow, Baker, and Parsons, (2004) investigated efficacy of 1-α(OH)D₃ alone or in combination with phytase on phytate phosphorus utilization in broiler chicks fed a corn-soybean meal diet; the results indicated that a positive interaction exist between 1-α(OH)D₃ and phytase.Kheiri, Poshtvar, Jalali Haji Abadi, and Landy, (2019) compared efficacy of 1-α(OH)D₃ alone or in combination of microbial phytase on broiler quails performance and quality of tibia; the result indicated positive interaction between 1-α(OH)D₃ and phytase on bone mineralization. Edwards Junior et al. (2002) reported that supplementation of 1-α(OH)D₃ to broiler chicken’s diet which didn’t contain cholecalciferol resulted in better performance. Han et al. (2009) reported that addition of 1-α(OH)D3 to broiler chickens diet containing adequate level of cholecalciferol had negative effects on growth performance. Similarly, Landy, Toghyani, Bahadoran, and Eghbalsaied (2015) reported that supplementation of 5,000 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 to broiler chicken’s diet containing 500 FTU phytase and 5 μg of 1-α(OH)D₃ kg^-1 of diet had negative effects on bone mineralization. Landy and Toghyani (2018), reported that supplementation of 1-α(OH)D₃ in broiler chicken’s diet which didn’t supplemented with cholecalciferol increased tibia ash. Kheiri and Landy, (2019) reported that supplementation of 1-α(OH)D₃ alone in broiler chicken’s diet deficient in Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) increased bone mineralization whereas for maximizing performance it’s necessary to supplement 1-α(OH)D₃ in combination of 1,500 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet.

Despite these findings, there are a few trials about efficacy of 1-α(OH)D₃ on broilerquails,and most studies focused on broiler chickens.The aim of the current experiment was to compare efficacy of 1-α(OH)D₃ alone or in combination with microbial phytase, and 1-α(OH)D₃ in combination of microbial phytase and different inclusion rate of cholecalciferol on growth performance, tibia quality, plasma total mean alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activity and minerals of broiler quails fed diets deficient in Ca and P.

Materials and methods

Animals and dietary treatments

The present study was carried out to determine efficacy of 1-α(OH)D₃ individually or in combination of microbial phytase and 1-α(OH)D₃ in combination of microbial phytase and different inclusion rate of cholecalciferol in dietary containing inadequate levels of Ca and P on growth performance, tibia quality, plasma total mean ALP enzyme activity and minerals of broiler quails. The birds were reared under optimal environmental status and all processes including sampling and killing of the birds were done in agreement with the ethical guidelines of the Shahrekord University's Ethical Committee, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord branch, Iran. A total of 280 mixed sex 5-d-old broiler quails (Coturnix japonica) were individually weighed and randomly allocated to 7 treatments with 5 replicates containing 8 quails. Water and feed were provided ad libitum and feed was presented in mash form during the experiment (5 to 37 d). A basal diet (Table 1) was formulated in accordance with National Research Council [NRC] (1994) recommendations except for Ca and P which were provided in inadequate levels and cholecalciferol as vitamin supplement which incorporated to basal diet did not contain cholecalciferol. The microbial phytase was provided at the inclusion rate of 500 FTU/kg of diet and was prepared commercially (ImEx Gulf, Inc., Texas, USA). The 1-α(OH)D₃ consumed in the current trial was commercially provided (Vitamin Derivatives Inc., GA, US) and incorporated to treatments in the inclusion rate of 5 μg kg^-1 of diet. The dietary treatments were as follows: Ca-P deficient diet (basal diet); basal diet + 500 FTU microbial phytase kg^-1 of diet; basal diet + phytase + 5 μg of 1-α(OH)D₃ kg^-1 of diet; basal diet + phytase + 5 μg of 1-α(OH)D₃ and 250 IU of cholecalciferol kg^-1of diet;basal diet + phytase + 5 μg of 1-α(OH)D₃ and 500 IU of cholecalciferol kg^-1of diet; basal diet + phytase + 5 μg of 1-α(OH)D₃ and 750 IU of cholecalciferol kg^-1of diet; basal diet + phytase + 5 μg of 1-α(OH)D₃ and 1,000 IU of cholecalciferol kg^-1of diet. The birds were reared on a lighting program including a period of 23h light, and 1h darkness d^-1. The broiler house temperature was kept at 37°C, on the first day of experiment and gradually reduced to 24°C in the initial of fourth week and then fixed on it.

Feed analyses

Before formulize the basal diet, soybean meal, corn and monocalcium phosphate, were analyzed for P (method 965.17 (Association Official Analytical Chemist [AOAC], 1990) and Ca (method 968.08 (AOAC, 1995)), also the percentage of Ca was measured in calcium carbonate. Basal diet was formulated thereafter and was dried at 55°C for 72h in an oven and ground through a 1-mm sieve, then used to measure dry matter (DM) (method 934.01 (AOAC, 1990)), Ca (method 968.08 (AOAC, 1995)) total P (method 965.17 (AOAC, 1990)).

Growth performance

Mean body weight (BW) and feed intake were measured per cage at 37 d of age, to determine daily weight gain, and daily feed intake (DFI). Mortality was recorded as it happened to accurate daily weight gain (DWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR).

Table 1
The ingredient, calculated and measured composition of basal diet.

Ingredients, g kg-1	Basal diet
Corn	509.75
Soybean meal (45% CP)	450.00
Soybean oil	19.30
DL-Met	0.20
L-Thr	0.90
Choline chloride (45% choline)	1.45
MCP1 (15% Ca and 22.5% P)	0.60
CaCO3	12.30
NaCl	2.10
NaHCO3	1.40
Trace mineral premix2	1.00
Vitamin premix3	1.00
Calculated composition
ME4, kcal kg-1	2,900
CP5, g kg-1	240.00
Total Lys, g kg-1	13.08
Total sulfur amino acids, g kg-1	7.50
Total Thr, g kg-1	10.20
Ca, g kg-1	6.00
Total P, g kg-1	3.88
Nonphytate P, g kg-1	1.50
Na, g kg-1	1.50
Cl, g kg-1	1.80
Analyzed Content
Ca, g kg-1	6.30
Total P, g kg-1	3.92

• ¹ Mono calcium phosphate.² Provided the following per kilogram of diet: Mg, 60 mg;Fe, 120 mg;Cu, 5 mg;Zn, 25 mg; Se,0.2 mg;I, 0.3 mg.³ Provided the following per kilogram of diet:vitamin A, 1,650 IU;vitamin E, 12 IU; vitamin K, 1.0 mg; thiamin, 2.0 mg; riboflavin, 4.0 mg;vitamin B₆, 3.0;vitamin B₁₂, 0.003 mg;pantothenic acid, 10 mg; nicotinic acid, 40 mg;folic acid, 1 mg; biotin, 0.30 mg.⁴ Metabolizable energy.⁵Crude protein.

Chemical analysis

At termination of the experiment, 2 birds/cage were sacrificed by cervical displacement to separate the left tibia to measure the percentage of ash on a dry fat-free basis (method 22.10 (AOAC, 1995)). The percentage of Ca and P were assayed by the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (method 2011.14 (AOAC, 1990)).

Plasma ALP and minerals

At termination of the experiment 2 birds per replicate were bled. Blood samples were taken by puncture of the brachial vein into heparinized tubes to determine plasma ALP enzyme activity, Ca and P concentrations. Serum Ca, P and ALP enzyme activity were measured by using commercial kits (Parsazmun, Tehran, Iran).

Statistical analysis

ANOVA was carried out to analyze treatments effects on growth performance, tibia quality, plasma total mean ALP enzyme activity and minerals by using the general linear model procedures of SAS (SAS/STAT Version 9.2, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC), in a completely randomized design. Differences between means were separated by Tukey’s test at 5% probability.

Results and discussion

Growth performance

The effects of dietary 1-α(OH)D₃ supplementation alone or in combination with microbial phytase, and different concentration of cholecalciferol on BW, FI, and FCR of broiler quails are presented in Table 2.At 37 d of age, the highest BW obtained in the group supplemented with 1,000 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet in compare with those fed basal diet and basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃ alone (p < 0.05), but didn’t statistically differ from other groups (p > 0.05). Broiler quails fed diets containing 500 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet (20.8 g) had significantly (p < 0.05) higher DFI in compare with those fed basal diet (9.1 g), basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃ alone (18.7 g), basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃ and phytase (17.0 g), basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃,phytase and 250 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet (18.4 g), basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃,phytase and 750 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet (19.3 g) and basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃,phytase and 1,000 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet (19.2 g). The worst FCR obtained in the group fed basal diet, and supplementation of 1-α(OH)D₃ alone, 1-α(OH)D₃ and phytase, and 1-α(OH)D₃, phytase and different levels of cholecalciferol significantly (p < 0.05) improved it. The best FCR obtained in the group supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃,phytase and 1,000 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet (p < 0.05).

Table 2
Effects of dietary 1-α(OH)D₃ alone or in combination with microbial phytase, and different component of cholecalciferol on body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratios (FCR) of broiler quails at 37 d of age.

Item	Whole experiment (5 to 37 d)
	BW (g)	FI (g)	FCR (g g-1)
Basal	64.3c	9.1e	5.30a
Basal + 1-α(OH)D3	195.6b	18.7bc	3.21b
Basal + 1-α(OH)D3 + 500 FTU kg-1 of phytase	196.0ab	17.0d	2.93b
Basal + 1-α(OH)D3 + 500 FTU kg-1 of phytase + 250 IU D3	210.6ab	18.4c	2.92b
Basal + 1-α(OH)D3 + 500 FTU kg-1of phytase + 500 IU D3	207.6ab	20.8a	3.34b
Basal + 1-α(OH)D3 + 500 FTU kg-1 of phytase + 750 IU D3	208.3ab	19.3b	3.09b
Basal + 1-α(OH)D3 + 500 FTU kg-1 of phytase + 1,000 IU D3	219.0a	19.2b	2.90b
SEM1	4.80	0.15	0.12
p-value	0.001	0.001	0.001

• ^a,e Values in the same column not sharing a common superscript differ (p< 0.05).¹ Standard error of the mean.

Han et al. (2013) investigated efficacy of different inclusion rate of cholecalciferol (0, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 mg kg^-1) and 1-α(OH)D₃ (0, 2.5, and 5 mg kg^-1) on performance criteria and tibia quality of broiler chickens fed diet deficient in Ca and P. The lowest BW was seen in the group which were not supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃or cholecalciferol, broiler chickens positively responded to cholecalciferol supplementation. Atencio, Pesti, and Edwards (2005) investigated efficacy of supplementing 25-OHD₃ in dietary which contain very low content of cholecalciferol on hen-day egg production in broiler breeders; the results indicated that broiler breeder positively responded to cholecalciferol supplementation. Similarly, Kheiri and Landy (2019) reported that supplementation of broiler chickens’ diet containing 1-α(OH)D₃ with1,500 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet resulted in higher performance, though supplementation of higher dosage (3,000 or 5,000 IU D₃ kg^-1 of diet) reduced performance criteria. Landy et al. (2015) investigated efficacy of adding 5,000 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet (recommended dosage by Aviagen, 2014) in broiler chickens fed diets deficient in Ca-P and containing 5 μg of 1-α(OH)D₃ kg^-1of diet in different growth periods on performance criteria; in starter period broilers negatively responded to cholecalciferol supplementation, though in grower and finisher phases cholecalciferol supplementation had not any significant effects on performance indices. Han et al. (2009) reported that addition of cholecalciferol in broiler chickens’ diet containing 5 μg 1-α(OH)D₃ kg^-1 of diet could not improve performance criteria. In contrast with the mentioned result in broiler chickens trials, in the current study increasing inclusion rate of cholecalciferol in Ca-P deficiet diet containing 5 μg 1-α(OH)D₃ kg^-1 of diet resulted in better performance as an increment in final BW and improvement in FCR were obtained.

Tibia quality

The effects of experimental treatments on tibia criteria of broiler quails at 37 d of age are presented in Table 3. The lowest tibia weight obtained in the group supplemented with basal diet and addition of 1-α(OH)D₃ alone, 1-α(OH)D₃ and phytase, and 1-α(OH)D₃, phytase and different levels of cholecalciferol significantly (p < 0.05) increased it. Addition of phytase and different concentrations of cholecalciferol to basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃ couldn’t significantly affect tibia weight in compare with those fed diets supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃ alone (p > 0.05). The lowest tibia length obtained in the group fed basal diet (p < 0.05). Broiler quails fed basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃ alone had significantly higher tibia length in compare with those fed basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃,phytase and 750 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet (p < 0.05), but it didn’t statistically differ from those fed basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃, and phytase, and basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃,phytase and 250, 500, and 1,000 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet (p > 0.05). The lowest tibia diameter obtained in the group fed basal diet (p < 0.05). Broiler quails fed basal diet had significantly (p < 0.05) lower tibia ash, Ca and P. Addition of phytase and different concentrations of cholecalciferol to basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃ alone couldn’t significantly (p > 0.05) affect tibia ash, Ca and P.

Table 3
Effects of dietary 1-α(OH)D₃ alone or in combination with microbial phytase, and different component of cholecalciferol on tibia criteria of broiler quails at 37 d of age.

Item	Tibia quality
	Weight (g)	Length (cm)	Diameter (cm)	Tibia ash (%)	Calcium (%)	Phosphorus (%)
Basal	0.41b	3.93c	1.79b	30.9b	9.03b	4.64b
Basal + 1-α(OH)D3	0.80a	5.43a	2.40a	47.0a	16.40a	8.64a
Basal + 1-α(OH)D3 + 500 FTU kg-1 of phytase	0.78a	5.35ab	2.49a	44.2a	15.86a	8.09a
Basal + 1-α(OH)D3 + 500 FTU kg-1 of phytase + 250 IU D3	0.88a	5.39ab	2.60a	45.7a	16.66a	8.21a
Basal + 1-α(OH)D3 + 500 FTU kg-1 of phytase + 500 IU D3	0.80a	5.35ab	2.43a	46.5a	17.57a	8.61a
Basal + 1-α(OH)D3 + 500 FTU kg-1 of phytase + 750 IU D3	0.77a	5.16b	2.54a	45.1a	17.10a	8.36a
Basal + 1-α(OH)D3 + 500 FTU kg-1 of phytase + 1,000 IU D3	0.81a	5.35ab	2.57a	44.9a	16.72a	8.31a
SEM1	0.03	0.60	0.07	1.77	0.62	0.28
p-value	0.001	0.001	0.001	0.001	0.001	0.001

• ^a,c Values in the same column not sharing a common superscript differ (p< 0.05). ¹ Standard error of the mean.

In the present trial, addition of 1-α(OH)D₃ alone could maximize tibia ash, whereas addition of phytase or phytase plus different concentrations of cholecalciferol had not any significant effects on tibia ash, though it tended to decrease. Similarly, Kheiri and Landy (2019) reported that inclusion of 1-α(OH)D₃ alone in broiler chicken’s diet could maximize tibia ash, Ca and P, whereas addition of different concentrations of cholecalciferol in diets containing 1-α(OH)D₃ reduced tibia ash, Ca and P. In agreement with our findings, Landy et al. (2015) compared efficacy of supplementing Ca-P deficient diet with 5 μg of 1-α(OH)D₃ kg^-1 of diet alone with combination of 5,000 IU cholecalciferol and 5 μg of 1-α(OH)D₃ kg^-1 of diet in broiler chickens; the result indicated that combination of cholecalciferol and 1-α(OH)D₃ had negative effect on bone mineralization. Drewe, Dietsch, and Keck (1988) reported that supplementation of dietary inadequate in cholecalciferol with calcitriol resulted in an increment in plasma calcitriol. According to researchers’ report an interaction between cholecalciferol and calcitriol exists in bone mineralization (Edwards Junior et al. 2002).

Plasma ALP and minerals

The effects of experimental treatments on plasma ALP, Ca and P are presented in Table 4. The highest plasma total mean ALP enzyme activity obtained in the group fed basal diet (p < 0.05). Broiler quails fed basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃,phytase and 250, and 1,000 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet had lower plasma total mean ALP enzyme activity in compare with those fed basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃ alone, basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃ and phytae, and basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃,phytase and 500, and 750 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet, though the results were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The lowest plasma Ca obtained in the group fed basal diet (p < 0.05). The plasma Ca of broiler quails fed basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃ alone and basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃,phytase and 1,000 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet was higher than those fed basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃ and phytase and basal diet supplemented with 1-α(OH)D₃,phytase and 250, 500, and 750 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet _, though the results were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Supplementation of 1-α(OH)D₃ and phytase, and 1-α(OH)D₃,phytase and 500, and 750 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet to basal diet significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) plasma P concentration. ALP enzyme activity is an index for the assessment of vitamin D insufficiency (Misra, Pacaud, Petryk, Collett-Solberg, & Kappy, 2008). Accordingly, cases without high plasma ALP enzyme activity may be excluded from a distinction of vitamin D insufficiency. Thus in the current trial addition of 1-α(OH)D₃ alone could decrease elevated plasma ALP enzyme activity as an indicator of vitamin D deficiency and consequently increase absorption of Ca and P.

Table 4
Effects of dietary 1-α(OH)D₃ alone or in combination with microbial phytase, and different component of cholecalciferol on plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium (Ca), and phosphorous (P) of broiler quails.

Item	Plasma parameters
	ALP (U L-1)	Ca (mg dL-1)	P (mg dL-1)
Basal	19544a	6.63b	5.26c
Basal + 1-α(OH)D3	4202b	9.45a	7.16abc
Basal + 1-α(OH)D3 + 500 FTU kg-1 of phytase	3540b	8.72a	7.28ab
Basal + 1-α(OH)D3 + 500 FTU kg-1 of phytase + 250 IU D3	2653b	8.05a	5.63bc
Basal + 1-α(OH)D3 + 500 FTU kg-1 of phytase + 500 IU D3	3550b	8.34a	7.73a
Basal + 1-α(OH)D3 + 500 FTU kg-1 of phytase + 750 IU D3	3219b	8.54a	7.66a
Basal + 1-α(OH)D3 + 500 FTU kg-1 of phytase + 1,000 IU D3	2750b	9.22a	7.00abc
SEM1	1197	1.21	0.45
p-value	0.001	0.001	0.001

Conclusion

In conclusion, supplementation of 1-α(OH)D₃alone to basal diet containing low levels of Ca and P maximizes tibia mineralization, whereas supplementation of 1-α(OH)D₃,phytase, and 1,000 IU cholecalciferol kg^-1 of diet maximizes performance criteria, body weight and feed conversion ratio.

Acknowledgements

This project was supported by the Department of Animal Science of Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord Branch, Iran (Grant No. 2019/08).

References

• Association Official Analytical Chemist [AOAC]. (1990). Official methods of analysis (15th ed.). Washington, DC: AOAC International.
• Association Official Analytical Chemist [AOAC]. (1995). Official methods of analysis (16th ed.). Washington, DC: AOAC International.
• Atencio, A., Pesti, G., & Edwards, H. (2005). Twenty-five hydroxycholecalciferol as a cholecalciferol substitute in broiler breeder hen diets and its effect on the performance and general health of the progeny. Poultry Science, 84(8), 1277-1285. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/84.8.1277
  » https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/84.8.1277
• Aviagen. (2014). Ross broiler management manual Midlothian, UK: Aviagen Ltd.
• Drewe, J., Dietsch, P., & Keck, E. (1988). Effect of vitamin D status on the activity of carbonic anhydrase in chicken epiphysis and kidney. Calcified Tissue International, 43(1), 26-32.
• Edwards Junior, H. M., Shirley, R. B., Escoe, W. B., & Pesti, G. M. (2002). Quantitative evaluation of 1-alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol as a cholecalciferol substitute for broilers. Poultry Science, 81(5), 664-669. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/81.5.664
  » https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/81.5.664
• Ghasemi, G. H., Toghyani, M., & Landy, N. (2018). The effects of dietary 1α-hydroxycholecalciferol in calcium and phosphorous-deficient diets on growth performance, parameters of tibia and immune responses of broiler chickens. Animal Nutrition, 5(2), 134-139. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2018.04.011
  » https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2018.04.011
• Han, J. C., Yang, X. D., Zhang, L. M., Li, W. L., Zhang, T., Zhang, Z. Y., & Yao, J. H. (2009). Effects of 1α-hydroxycholecalciferol and phytase on growth performance, tibia parameter and meat quality of 1-to 21-d-old broilers. Asian-Australasian Journalof Animal Sciences, 22(6), 857-864.
• Han, J. C., Qu, H. X., Wang, J. Q., Yao, J. H., Zhang, C.M., Yang, J. L., … Dong, X. S. (2013). The effects of dietary cholecalciferol and 1α-hydroxycholecalciferol levels in a calcium- and phosphorus-deficient diet on growth performance and tibia quality of growing broilers. Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences, 22(2), 158-164. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22358/jafs/66007/2013
  » https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.22358/jafs/66007/2013
• Kheiri, F., Poshtvar, M., Jalali Haji Abadi, S. M. A., & Landy, N. (2019). Influence of dietary 1αlpha-hydroxycholecalciferol, individually or in combination with microbial phytase in calcium and phosphorus deficient diets on growth performance and tibia parameter of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). Acta Scienctiarum Animal Sciences, 41(1), 1-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4025/actascianimsci.v41i1.42540
  » https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4025/actascianimsci.v41i1.42540
• Kheiri, F., & Landy, N. (2019). The effects of dietary 1-alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol individually or in combination with different levels of cholecalciferol on growth performance and tibia criteria in broiler chickens. Livestock Science, 221(1), 172-176. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2019.02.007
  » https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2019.02.007
• Landy, N., & Toghyani, M. (2014). Evaluation the effects of dietary cholecalciferol substitution with 1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol on performance and tibia parameters in broiler chickens. International Journal of Poultry Science, 13(9), 515-517. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3923/ijps.2014.515.517
  » https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3923/ijps.2014.515.517
• Landy, N., Toghyani, M., Bahadoran, R., & Eghbalsaied, S. (2015). The effects of 1αlpha-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation on performance and tibia parameter of broiler chickens. Research Opinions in Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 5(8), 342-347.
• Landy, N., & Toghyani, M. (2018). Evaluation of one-alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol (1α-OHD₃) alone or in combination with cholecalciferol in calcium and phosphorus deficiency diets on development of tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) in broiler chickens. Animal Nutrition, 4(1), 109-112. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2017.11.002
  » https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2017.11.002
• Misra, M., Pacaud, D., Petryk, A., Collett-Solberg, P. F., & Kappy, M. (2008). Vitamin D deficiency in children and its management. Pediatrics, 122(2), 398-417. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2007-1894
  » https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2007-1894
• National Research Council [NRC]. (1994). Nutrients requirements of poultry (9th. ed.). Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
• Snow, J. L., Baker, D. H., & Parsons, C. M. (2004). Phytase, citric acid, and 1α-hydroxycholecalciferol improve phytate phosphorus utilization in chicks fed a corn-soybean meal diet. Poultry Science, 83(7), 1187-1192. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/83.7.1187.
  » https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/83.7.1187.

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  20 Apr 2022
• Date of issue
  Jan-Dec 2022

History

• Received
  12 June 2020
• Accepted
  15 Jan 2021