Poultry Judging Practice Test

Which vitamin is not typically associated with poultry health and metabolism?

1. Vitamin A

2. Vitamin K

3. Vitamin C

4. Vitamin D

The correct answer is: Vitamin C

Vitamin C is not typically associated with poultry health and metabolism primarily because poultry, unlike some other animals, are able to synthesize this vitamin internally. Most birds produce their own vitamin C through metabolic processes involving glucose, so they do not require dietary sources of this vitamin in the same way that other species do. In contrast, vitamins A, K, and D play critical roles in poultry health. For example, vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. Vitamin K is crucial for blood clotting and bone health, while vitamin D aids in the calcium and phosphorus metabolism critical for strong bone development. Understanding the unique metabolic pathways in poultry helps to clarify the specific roles of different vitamins in their diets.