Efficiency of calcidiol application in laying hen diets under various feed production technologies

A. G. Musin¹, A. S. Mustafin² , R. R. Gadiev¹ , D. D. Khaziev¹

¹ Bashkir State Agrarian University, Ufa, Russia

² Alltech LLC, Moscow, Russia

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Volume 26 No. 9

Date of paper submission: 05.05.2026, date of review: 08.07.2026, date of acceptance: 23.07.2026. 

Published: 09/30/2026

Abstract. This article presents the results of a comprehensive analysis of the impact of varying the vitamin composition of feed on the productivity of laying hens and eggshell quality. The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of replacing the traditional source of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) with its metabolically active analogue 25-OH-D3 (calcidiol) in various combinations. We also examined the effects of feed steaming (replenishing the loss of fat-soluble vitamins caused by thermal exposure) and complete replacement of cholecalciferol with calcidiol on egg production and the physical and chemical characteristics of eggshells under industrial poultry farming conditions. Methods. Data for the analysis were obtained from the experimental poultry house of the Bashkir State Agricultural University (Ufa). The study subjects were SuperNik laying hens, divided into groups depending on the type of diet consumed. In the first experiment, birds consumed feed with varying levels of calcidiol supplementation instead of cholecalciferol. In the second experiment, calcidiol was tested in both unheated and heat-treated feed, with and without the addition of additional doses of fat-soluble vitamins to compensate for their heat-induced degradation. The following parameters were evaluated during the study: egg production, egg weight, egg yield over the experimental period, proportion of eggs with cracks, shell strength, elastic deformation, shell weight and thickness, and shell calcium content. Scientific novelty. For the first time, a comparative analysis was conducted of the effects of two sources of vitamin D3 – cholecalciferol and calcidiol – on the productivity of laying hens and the quality of eggshells using various feed production technologies. Results. It has been established that the use of 25-OH-D3 has a positive effect on egg production in laying hens, increasing shell thickness and strength, which helps reduce the incidence of cracked eggs. A beneficial effect on eggshell chemical properties has also been observed with steam treatment of feed, supplemental doses of vitamins A, D3, and E, and the replacement of cholecalciferol with 25-OH-D3.

Keywords: laying hens, feed thermal processing, steam treatment, fat-soluble vitamins, retinol, tocopherol, cholecalciferol, calcidiol, 25-OH-D3, calcium, hen-day egg production, egg mass, shell strength, elastic deformation, shell thickness

For citation: Musin A. G., Mustafin A. S., Gadiev R. R., Khaziev D. D. Efficiency of calcidiol application in laying hen diets under various feed production technologies. Agrarian Bulletin of the Urals. 2026; 26 (09): 1721‒1730. https://doi.org/10.32417/1997-4868-2026-26-09-1721-1730. (In Russ.) 

  

Download the full text of the article