Vol. 12, Issue 1 (2023)

Author(s):
PS Megha and V Ramnath

Abstract:
The body needs vitamin D₃ for a number of metabolic processes, such as healthy bone development, calcium phosphate absorption, and immune system stimulation. This study investigated the impact of UVB exposure (3 hours per day) on the levels of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D₃ in the serum of crossbred (White Leghorn N strain and Desi) layer chickens from 29 to 40 weeks of age. In order to achieve optimal UVB light exposure on the featherless skin of bird feet, a 60 cm long, 240 V, 50 Hz, and 36 W UVB tube outfitted with a heat protection reflector was positioned in the lower front area of the cages at a distance of 20 cm. The mean vitamin D₃ concentration in the serum of UVB exposed birds was 13.38±0.41 ng/mL which was significantly higher (p<0.01) than that of the unexposed group of birds with a mean serum vitamin D₃ concentration of 5.25±0.68 ng/mL. At the same time, UVB exposure also had a significant (p<0.01) impact on serum calcium and phosphorus levels which were 16.13±0.16 mg/dL and 5.22±0.36 mg/dL respectively. However, during the experimental period, the serum calcium and phosphorus levels of the control birds were considerably (p<0.01) lower than those of the UVB exposed birds. In a nutshell, the serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D₃ in layer chickens are significantly influenced by UVB exposure.