Poultry Judging Practice Test

What vitamin deficiency is commonly associated with poor shell quality in eggs?

1. Vitamin B12

2. Vitamin E

3. Vitamin D3

4. Vitamin K

The correct answer is: Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 is crucial for the regulation of calcium and phosphorus levels in the body, which are essential components in the formation of eggshells. When poultry are deficient in Vitamin D3, their ability to absorb calcium from their diet decreases, resulting in weaker and poorer quality eggshells. This deficiency can lead to eggs that are thin, fragile, or even have a tendency to break easily. In contrast, the other vitamins listed do have important roles in a chicken's overall health, but they do not directly impact eggshell quality to the same extent. Vitamin B12 is primarily involved in red blood cell production and neurological function, Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and is important for immune function, while Vitamin K is primarily associated with blood coagulation. None of these vitamins are as directly linked to the formation and integrity of eggshells as Vitamin D3 is.