dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health has launched Hy-D Poultry Tablets, an effervescent vitamin Dā product administered through drinking water.
The tablets are intended for use during periods when birds may be under additional stress, including transport, vaccination, heat stress, disease challenges and processing.
The product provides 25-hydroxy vitamin Dā, which does not require conversion in the liver before use. According to dsm-firmenich, the tablets dissolve in water within four to six minutes.
The company says a controlled broiler trial found higher plasma 25-hydroxy vitamin Dā levels in birds given Hy-D through water compared with birds receiving standard vitamin Dā through feed. The trial also recorded improvements in weight gain and feed conversion.
Carlos Lozano, global product manager for Carotenoids and Hy-D at dsm-firmenich, said the product was developed to provide targeted vitamin D support during periods when birds may experience reduced feed intake or other stress.
The tablets are designed to be stored and administered on farm, with a visible colour change indicating that they have dispersed in the water.