Consequences of genetic selection on metabolic regulation of skeletal health in broiler chickens

Improvements in broiler growth performance resulting from commercial selection are associated with poor skeletal health. Vitamin D3 plays an important role in Ca and P homeostasis and is essential for bone strength. Several studies have demonstrated that feeding biologically active metabolites of D3 [25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3] can improve bone health.