Effects of increases in vitamin C supplementation in the laying hen rations on serum concentrations of vitamin C and vitamin A

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effects of layer rations containing 0, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg vitamin C on vitamin C and vitamin A concentrations in serum of hens. A total of 96 commercial hens (28 weeks of age) were used in present experiments. There were a control and three treatment groups, each containing 24 hens. The experimental period lasted 10 weeks. Serum vitamin C and vitamin A concentrations were determined three times at 30, 34 and 38 weeks of ages. Serum vitamin C and vitamin A concentrations increased with increasing amounts of vitamin C in rations. During the experiment, serum vitamin C concentration was increased significantly (p < 0.05) by the addition of 200 mg/kg vitamin C, and serum vitamin A concentration was increased significantly in all groups (p < 0.05). It has been concluded that vitamin C protected vitamin A against oxidation and increased serum vitamin A levels in parallel with increased serum vitamin C.