Vitamin E
What is it and what does it do for chickens?
DISCLAMIER: Im not an expert, this gatherd text comes from my experience, my research and why I think its important to know about this.
My fascination with understanding Vitamin E began with the wry neck episodes in my girl Bartok. I wanted to understand why the deficiency caused these symptoms, so I took on the task of researching: What is Vitamin E?
What is Vitamin E and what does it do?
Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which primarily works by neutralizing unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells in the body, leading to various types of illness. During normal metabolic processes, energy production generates unstable fragments of oxygen molecules that are missing an electron. Vitamin E, as an antioxidant, helps stabilize these molecules by donating electrons to prevent cellular damage.
Balance is key—some free radicals are beneficial, but too many can be harmful.
Another important role of Vitamin E is enhancing immune function. This means that a deficiency in Vitamin E can make birds more susceptible to illness.
What does Vitamin E do for chickens?
Adequate levels of Vitamin E can help chickens tolerate heat stress better and improve their immune response, including defense against bacteria like E. coli. It can also lead to higher hatchability, improved egg production, and increased fertility.
What are the symptoms of Vitamin E deficiency in chickens?
Vitamin E is crucial for chickens, and a deficiency can have wide-ranging effects. The list of symptoms is long, but some of the key signs include:
- Wry Neck
- Musclar Dysfunction
- Paralysis
- Crazy chick disease (encephalomalacia)
- Hemorrhages
- Decreased laying .
As I mentioned before, balance is everything. A high-quality everyday diet is key, but keep in mind that most commercial feeds do not provide enough vitamins for your chickens. Adding a multivitamin supplement to their diet can therefore be very beneficial.
And don't forget to include quality fruits, greens, and nuts!
Vitamin E rich foods:
Sunflowerseeds
Pumpkin
Red bell pepper
Mangoes
Beet greens and collard greens
Spinach
Feeds high in antioxidants will help your chickens live a long and happy life!