Poultry Judging Practice Test

Which vitamin is particularly important for poultry health and egg production?

1. Vitamin A

2. Vitamin C

3. Vitamin D

4. Vitamin K

The correct answer is: Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in poultry health and egg production. This vitamin is involved in calcium metabolism, which is essential for the formation of eggshells and overall bone health in birds. Adequate levels of vitamin D ensure that hens can effectively absorb calcium from their diet and utilize it for eggshell formation. This is particularly important because a lack of vitamin D can lead to thin-shelled or soft-shelled eggs, which can decrease egg quality and production rates. In addition to supporting egg production, vitamin D has broader implications for poultry health, including immune function and overall growth. The sunlight exposure helps birds synthesize vitamin D naturally, but in certain environments or production systems, supplementation might be necessary to ensure optimal health and productivity. While other vitamins such as A, C, and K have important roles in poultry nutrition and health—like vision and blood clotting—the specific significance of vitamin D in calcium metabolism makes it especially vital for ensuring both bird health and robust egg production.