Maximizing Productivity of Poultry Herds with Natural Vitamins

Natural Vitamins: In What Ways Are They Different?

Natural vitamins are derived from whole food sources, such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs. They are complex compounds that include not only the vitamins themselves, but also various cofactors, enzymes, and phytonutrients that enhance their absorption and efficacy. In contrast, synthetic vitamins are usually isolated compounds manufactured through chemical processes. In order to get a better understanding of how natural and synthetic vitamins differ from each other, let’s delve into the characteristics of natural vitamins, and learn what benefits they may offer for livestock, including poultry!

1. Better Bioavailability: Natural vitamins are generally more easily recognized and utilized by the body, because they come with a host of complementary nutrients that aid in their absorption. For instance, natural vitamin C from citrus fruits is accompanied by bioflavonoids, which enhance its efficacy and stability in the body.

In poultry farming within the EU, vitamin C is often provided as ascorbic acid. In case of vitamin E, the most commonly used form of vitamin E in EU poultry farming is dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (a synthetic form) due to its stability and cost-effectiveness. These forms are chosen based on their stability, cost, and ease of incorporation into poultry feed.

Synthetic vitamins however– lacking the cofactors that natural vitamins come with – may not be as readily absorbed. For example, according to studies, synthetic vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol) is less bioavailable compared to its natural counterpart (d-alpha-tocopherol).

2. Comprehensive Nutrient Profile: Whole food sources provide a broad spectrum of nutrients that work synergistically. This complex nutrient profile supports various bodily functions more effectively than isolated synthetic vitamins. Synthetic vitamins, being isolated compounds, lack this synergy and may not provide the same comprehensive health benefits.
3. Safety and Toxicity: Natural vitamins are generally safer for poultry and carry a lower risk of toxicity. These vitamins are typically present in balanced amounts within whole feed ingredients, making it difficult for poultry to consume them in excessive, harmful quantities. In contrast, synthetic vitamins, when used in high doses, can pose toxicity risks for poultry. This is due to their concentrated nature and the absence of the natural balance found in whole feed components, which can lead to imbalances and adverse health effects if not carefully managed.
4. Overall Health Benefits: Research indicates that natural vitamins can provide superior health benefits for poultry, including enhanced immune system function, improved antioxidant defence, and reduced risk of various health issues. Synthetic vitamins may not deliver the same broad spectrum of health benefits, thus, over-reliance on synthetic vitamins can sometimes lead to nutritional imbalances and may not fully support the overall health and well-being of poultry as effectively as natural vitamin sources.  

The Role of Vitamin C and E in Poultry Management

Poultry, like humans, require a balanced intake of vitamins to maintain health and optimize performance. Vitamins C and E are particularly crucial during the summer months in poultry management, when heat stress can significantly impact the well-being and productivity of poultry.

1. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C is particularly important for the health of poultry, and its deficiency can lead to a range of health issues in poultry flocks. One of the primary problems that may arise is weakened immune function, which makes birds more susceptible to infections and diseases. Additionally, the lack of vitamin C can result in poor growth rates and lower productivity, as the birds' ability to cope with stress and repair cells and tissues is compromised. In severe cases, vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy-like symptoms, including joint issues and haemorrhaging due to weakened collagen structures.

During hot weather, poultry may experience increased stress due to heat. While vitamin C is not required in larger quantities than the standard recommendations, it is often supplemented to help poultry cope with heat stress. Heat stress can increase the need for antioxidants and stress-relief nutrients like vitamin C. In such cases, it might be beneficial to provide a slightly higher level of vitamin C or include it in water supplements to support the birds through stressful periods.

In broilers, this extra amount of vitamin C can help improve growth rates and overall health during the hot summer months, while in layers it can help improve egg quality and reduce stress-related issues.

Vitamin C: Mechanisms of Action

• Antioxidant Properties: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress in poultry. This is especially important during the summer when high temperatures can increase the production of free radicals.
• Immune Support: Vitamin C enhances the immune system, helping poultry resist infections and diseases.
• Stress Reduction: It plays a crucial role in reducing the physiological stress caused by high temperatures, thus improving overall performance and productivity.
• Collagen Formation: Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, which is vital for the integrity of bones, ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels.

Benefits of vitamin C in Poultry Management:

• Improved Performance: Supplementing poultry diets with natural vitamin C helps enhance the performance of laying, breeding, and broiler flocks.
• Increased Fertility and Hatchability: Vitamin C boosts reproductive health, increasing fertility rates and hatchability of eggs.
• Enhanced Meat Quality: By reducing oxidative stress, vitamin C helps improve the quality of meat, making it more tender and flavourful.
• Heat Stress Mitigation: During hot weather, vitamin C supplementation helps poultry cope with heat stress, reducing mortality rates and maintaining productivity.

2. Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

Vitamin E is also an essential nutrient for poultry, and its deficiency can lead to a condition known as nutritional encephalomalacia, or crazy chick disease, which affects the nervous system of the birds, and can cause incoordination, tremors, and even paralysis. Additionally, deficiency in vitamin E can impair the immune system, making birds more vulnerable to infections. Another significant issue is exudative diathesis, a condition where capillary walls become fragile, leading to oedema and haemorrhaging. Thus, ensuring adequate vitamin E intake is crucial for maintaining overall health of poultry flocks, and preventing these severe deficiencies.

Vitamin E: Mechanisms of Action

• Antioxidant Defence: Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals. It works synergistically with vitamin C to enhance antioxidant protection.
• Immune Function: It supports the immune system, helping poultry fight off infections and stay healthy.
• Cell Membrane Stability: Vitamin E is crucial for maintaining the integrity and function of cell membranes, which is vital for overall cellular health.

Benefits of Vitamin E in Poultry Management:

• Improved Immunity: Vitamin E boosts the immune response in poultry, making them more resilient to diseases.
• Enhanced Growth and Productivity: By protecting cells from oxidative damage, vitamin E helps improve growth rates and overall productivity in poultry.
• Better Egg Quality: Vitamin E supplementation has been shown to improve egg quality, increasing the nutrient content and shelf life of eggs.
• Reduction of Heat Stress: Similar to vitamin C, vitamin E helps mitigate the effects of heat stress, ensuring that poultry maintain their health and productivity during hot weather.

Are Natural Vitamins Reliable?

Some poultry farmers may have concerns that natural vitamin sources might not consistently deliver the same standard and quality of nutrients, potentially leading to variations in poultry health outcomes. This apprehension arises because natural sources can sometimes exhibit variability in nutrient content. However, there are in fact natural vitamin supplements meant for poultry out there in the market (such as AYUCEE and AYUVIT-E, manufactured by Ayurvet Ltd.), which are derived and manufactured with a rigorous approach to standardization, making these natural-based vitamin supplements a reliable source of these vital nutrients.

Ayurvet products are meticulously formulated to provide standardized amounts of natural vitamins. The company employs precise formulations and implement stringent quality control measures to ensure that each batch adheres to established standards for vitamin content. By maintaining this consistency and complying with industry regulations for the proper concentration of vitamins and other nutrients, Ayurvet ensures that their feed additives deliver reliable and balanced nutrition, thereby mitigating the risks of both deficiencies and overdoses in poultry.

In conclusion, natural vitamins can offer superior health benefits compared to their synthetic counterparts due to their higher bioavailability, comprehensive nutrient profile, safety, and overall effectiveness. By focusing on natural vitamin sources and addressing deficiencies promptly, poultry farmers can enhance the well-being of their birds, leading to improved performance, higher fertility rates, better egg and meat quality, and increased resilience to stress and disease. Maintaining a balanced diet enriched with natural vitamins is a key strategy in achieving these outcomes and ensuring the long-term success of poultry farming.