Influence of direct ultra violet blue (UVB) light exposure on serum levels of vitamin D3, calcium and phosphorus in layer chickens

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