25-hydroxycalciferol in broilers diets with different dietary levels of calcium and phosphorus

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for reducing total Ca and / or available P in poultry feed, a method for growing poultry, a method for selecting a desired food conversion rate for poultry, a method for producing poultry feed, use of hydroxylated vitamin D for obtaining in poultry essentially the same feed conversion rate, and poultry feed.

Description

[0001] 25-HYDROXYCALCIFEROL IN BROILERS DIETS WITH DIFFERENT DIETARY LEVELS OF CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to a method for reducing total Ca and / or available P in poultry feed, a method for growing poultry, a method for selecting a desired food conversion rate for poultry, a method for producing poultry feed, use of hydroxylated vitamin D for obtaining in poultry essentially the same feed conversion rate, and poultry feed.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The significance of Ca and P to poultry nutrition is paramount, as both minerals are involved in several vital metabolic processes related to bone health and mineralization, cellular functions, electrolytic balance, and overall growth and development (Delezie et al., 2015). However, over-supplementation of dietary Ca and P levels in poultry diets can be detrimental to digestibility and performance (Driver et al., 2005) instigated by the unavailability of phytate- P in plant ingredients and the formation of Ca-phytate insoluble complexes that is fostered with a high presence of Ca in the lumen (Humer et al., 2015). Additionally, the environmental impact caused by Ca and P excretion in the litter is a recurrent issue (Li et al., 2016). Nutritional and formulation strategies that optimize Ca and P utilization by broilers and enable the reduction of their dietary levels are continuously sought-after. To that end, dietary supplementation of 25- hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) has become increasingly exploited.

[0006] The 25-OH-D3, also known as 25-OH VitD3 or calcidiol, is a metabolite formed in the liver from the hydroxylation of vitamin D3 (VitD) and is the precursor of 1 ,25- dihydroxycholecalciferol (1.25-OH2-D3) or calcitriol, which is the active hormonal form of VitD. Once activated, 1 ,25- OH2-D3 acts at the target tissues, mainly intestine, kidney, muscle and bone cells, as a core component of Ca and P homeostasis, stimulating their intestinal absorption, renal reabsorption, and bone resorption (Gil et al., 2018). Both 25-OH-D3 and 1.25-OH2-D3 are commercially available as supplements to animal diets, but studies demonstrate that the affinity of vitamin-D-binding proteins in the epithelium for 25-OH-D3 is superior to other metabolites (Han et al., 2016). The presence of specific receptors to 25-OH-D3 (Teegarden et al., 2000) and a longer half-life of 25-OH-D3 compared to 1.25-OH2-D3 (Han et al., 2016) makes the supplementation of 25-OH-D3 more advantageous. 25-OH-D3 has been shown to improve growth performance, bone health, bone mineralization, and meat quality in poultry birds (Garcia et al., 2013), substantiated by higher serum levels of VitD and 25-OH-D3 after supplementation (Bozkurt et al., 2017).

[0007] In light of the interconnected metabolism of Ca, P, and VitD and the remarkable effect that VitD metabolites have on Ca and P availability, studies have investigated the interaction between these nutrients at different dietary levels in broilers. While some studies report no interaction between 25-OH-D3 and changing dietary Ca and P (Oikeh et al., 2019), there has been cases like Zhang et al. (2020) who demonstrated that 25-OH-D3 can improve bone mineralization and density in broilers fed low Ca+P diets. In a previous study (Bassi et al. , 2023), the reduction of only dietary available (Av.) P levels for 21-d-old broiler chickens down to 0.35% while keeping constant Ca levels has been investigated, but it has been found no interaction with 25-OH-D3, which improved performance and mineral digestibility regardless of Av. P levels.

[0008] There is a demand for poultry feed which allows a healthy nutrition of the poultry on the one hand side, and the provision of a cost-efficient poultry feed on the other hand side. Since the costs for poultry feed have a large impact on the entire production costs, the Feed Conversion Rate (FCR) in livestock farming is quite important to a livestock farmer. Therefore, there is a need to provide poultry feed at reduced costs without any negative influence on poultry performance.

[0009] Surprisingly, the inventors have found that supplementing poultry feed with hydroxylated vitamin D3 allow a reduction of total Ca and / or P in the poultry feed, while maintaining the poultry performance.

[0010] The inventors have been able to propose a more acute reduction of both Ca and P levels altogether to ascertain its effects and possible interactions with 25-OH-D3 supplementation in starter broiler diets containing commercial VitD levels. Additionally, a calculation of Ca and P equivalence for 25-OH-D3 has been presented which allow the provision of cost-efficient poultry feed.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for reducing total Ca and / or available P in poultry feed, comprising supplementing poultry feed with hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed, wherein each supplementation allows a reduction of total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed, while maintaining poultry performance.

[0013] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for growing poultry, comprising feeding poultry with poultry feed supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed, wherein each supplementation allows a reduction of total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed, while maintaining poultry performance.

[0014] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for selecting a desired food conversion rate for poultry when feeding poultry with poultry feed reduced by total Ca and / or available P, but supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3, comprising (a) selecting a desired food conversion; (b) reducing total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed dependent on the selected food conversion rate; and (c) supplementing hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed per each reduction of total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed.

[0015] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing poultry feed, comprising supplementing poultry feed with hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed per each reduction of total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed, while maintaining poultry performance.

[0016] In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a use of hydroxylated vitamin D3 for obtaining in poultry essentially the same feed conversion rate when fed poultry feed reduced by total Ca and / or available P as in poultry when fed with the same poultry feed, but not reduced by total Ca and / or available P and not supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3.

[0017] In a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to poultry comprising not less than 0.3 % available P, not less than at least 0.6% total Ca and hydroxylated vitamin D3.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0019] Figure 1 shows a calculation example in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] A first aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to a method for reducing total Ca and / or available P in poultry feed, comprising supplementing poultry feed with hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed, wherein each supplementation allows a reduction of total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed, while maintaining poultry performance.

[0021] Generally, phosphorus can be expressed as total, digestible, or available. In the context of the present invention, the term “available P” or “available phosphorus” or “avP” can be understood as a distinct form of phosphorus which represents the amount of the phosphorus that is digested, absorbed, and available for utilization according to the slope-ratio method. The slope-ratio method is a general purpose procedure that can be used to analyse balanced or unbalanced assays with blanks (0-dose treatments), plate (row) effects and unlimited numbers of dose levels and test preparations. Total phosphorus represents all phosphorus contained in the ingredient, including non-available phosphorus that is mostly bound to phytate. Digestible phosphorus represents the amount of phosphorus that is digested and absorbed, which is expressed as apparent (ATTD) or standardized (STTD) total tract digestible phosphorus. The basal endogenous losses of phosphorus are accounted for an STTD basis, but not on ATTD basis. The most commonly used method to formulate diets and estimate phosphorus digestibility is STTD.

[0022] Generally, Calcium can be present in distinct forms. Calcium can be present as Ca2+ions, bound to proteins, such as albumin, globulins, and complex-bound, such as bicarbonate, lactate, citrate, or phosphate. The term “total Calcium” or “total Ca” can be understood according to the present invention as the amount of all Calcium present in its distinct forms.

[0023] In the context of the present invention, the term “feed” can be understood as any form of food for the use in growing poultry. The term “feed” is in particular understood as solid feed, semisolid feed, liquid feed, or any consistency between solid and liquid. In accordance with the present invention, the consistency of the feed is not decisive as long as the supplementation with hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed is fulfilled.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the feed is liquid feed. The liquid feed is preferably drinking water supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3.

[0025] In preferred embodiment of the present invention concerning the method for reducing total Ca and / or available P in poultry feed, it is foreseen that the poultry performance is determined by feed conversion rate (FCR). The term “feed conversion rate” or “feed conversion ratio” has to be understood according to the present invention as a ratio or rate for measuring the efficiency with which the bodies of livestock convert animal feed into the desired output. According to the invention, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) is essentially the mathematical connection between the feed that an animal eats and the weight that the animal accumulates as a result of digesting the feed. Generally, the FCR is calculated by determining the amount of feed taken and the live body weight.

[0026] The term “essentially the same” has to be understood according to the present invention as the difference between the values, or the difference between the mean of the values to be compared, being less than 5%, preferably less than 1%, preferably less than 0.5 %, preferably less than 0.1 %.

[0027] Preferably, the poultry fed with said total Ca and / or available P reduced and hydroxylated vitamin D3 supplemented poultry feed have essentially the same feed conversion rate (FCR) as poultry fed with the same poultry feed, but not reduced by total Ca and / or available P and not supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3.

[0028] Surprisingly, the inventors have found that supplementing poultry feed with hydroxylated vitamin D3 allow a reduction of total Ca and / or P in the poultry feed, while maintaining the poultry performance.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the invention concerning the method for reducing total Ca and / or available P in poultry feed, said poultry feed has not less than 0.6% total Ca and / or not less than 0.3% available P.

[0030] Preferably, said feed conversion rate is between 1.1 to 1.5.

[0031] The inventors have been able to determine the necessary concentration ranges of hydroxylated vitamin D3 as supplement in the poultry feed to allow a reduction of total Ca and / or available P without negative influence on the FCR. Thus, the method of the present invention provides a systematic approach for the provision of a cost-efficient poultry feed which still enables a good development of the chicken. Whereas the prior art has identified the influence of 25-OH-D3 supplementation on calcium and phosphorus levels - e.g. Zhang et al., 2020 - there has been no clear, unambiguous and direct instruction for the provision of such an advantageous poultry feed, which possess the dual benefit of cost-efficiency and maintaining a positive growth rate which will in turn avoid any commercially economic loss due to bone abnormalities and / or disorders during the breeding.

[0032] The direct instruction for the provision of the method for reducing total Ca and / or available P in poultry feed is in particular illustrated in the calculation example of Figure 1 and Table 5. Therein the direct, linear influence of the administration of 25OH VitD3 is demonstrated on the savings of available P and total Ca in form of specific formulas. On the basis of theses specific formulas, it is possible for a person skilled in the art to determine the required supplementation with hydroxylated vitamin D3 in the poultry feed which preserves the FOR, but allows savings in total Ca and available P. The prior art however, does not provide such a systematic approach, in contrast, the skilled person is left alone with superficial information on the influence of 25-OH-D3 supplementation in general and has to conduct a trial and error approach to achieve a satisfactory result only by chance. However, such a trial and error approach or a kind of a pinprick approach represents an undue burden for a skilled person and involves time and cost-intensive experimentation. These technical drawbacks are overcome with the present invention.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the invention concerning the method for reducing total Ca and / or available P in poultry feed, it is foreseen that each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of total Ca between 29.0 to 15.9 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0034] Further preferred, it is foreseen that each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of available P between 14.5 to 7.2 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0035] The present invention allows for the first time determining the amount of hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton in the poultry feed on the basis of the FCR which should achieved or kept. This enables the cost-efficient saving of total Ca and available P.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the invention concerning the method for reducing total Ca and / or available P in poultry feed, it is foreseen that more than 0 and up to 138 mg, preferably more than 0 and up to 69 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed is supplemented.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the feed is drinking water and the drinking water is preferably supplemented with more than 0 and up to 138 mg, preferable with more than 0 and up to 69 mg and most preferably with more than 0 and up to 34.5 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton.

[0038] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the amount of reducing total Ca and / or available P in poultry feed in accordance with the present invention are determined by the following mathematical formula for the preferred ranges of 0 and up to 69 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed supplementation in poultry feed according to the invention, in particular according to Figure 1 :

[0039] Phosphorus 0 g 25OH VitD3 per kg of feed: y(FCR) = -0.555x(avP) + 1 .534 -> x(avP) = (y(FCR) - 1 .534) I -0.555

[0040] 69 pg 25OH VitD3 per kg of feed: y(FCR) = -0.592x(avP) + 1.505 -> x(avP) = (y(FCR) - 1.505) I -0.592.

[0041] Calcium

[0042] 0 pg 25OH VitD3 per kg of feed: y(FCR) = -0.277x(total Ca) + 1 .534 -> x(total Ca) = (y -1 .534) I -0.277

[0043] 69 pg 25OH VitD3 per kg of feed: y(FCR) = -0.296x(total Ca + 1.505 -> x(total Ca) = (y - 1.505) I -0.296.

[0044] Preferably, said hydroxylated vitamin D3 is 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, 1 -hydroxy vitamin D3 or 1 ,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3, preferably 25-hydroxy vitamin D3.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the invention concerning the method for reducing total Ca and / or available P in poultry feed, said poultry are aged 1 to 21 days (starter), 22 to 42 days (grower) or 43 to 56 days (finisher).

[0046] Generally, the term “starter” relates to the first, about 3 weeks in poultry life. The term “grower” relates to the growing phase following the starter phase. The term “finisher” relates to the phase following the growing phase. Preferably, said method for reducing total Ca and / or available P in poultry feed is suitable for all poultry of the starter, grower, or finisher phase.

[0047] A second aspect of the invention is directed to a method for growing poultry, comprising feeding poultry with poultry feed supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed, wherein each supplementation allows a reduction of total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed, while maintaining poultry performance.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the invention concerning the method for growing poultry, it is foreseen that the poultry performance is determined by feed conversion rate (FCR).

[0049] Preferably, the poultry fed with said total Ca and / or available P reduced and hydroxylated vitamin D3 supplemented poultry feed have the same feed conversion rate as poultry fed with the same poultry feed, but not reduced by total Ca and / or available P and not supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3.

[0050] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention concerning the method for growing poultry, said poultry feed has not less than 0.6% total Ca and / or not less than 0.3% available P.

[0051] Preferably, said feed conversion rate is between 1.1 to 1.5.

[0052] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention concerning the method for growing poultry, it is foreseen that each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of total Ca between 29.0 to 15.9 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the invention concerning the method for growing poultry, it is foreseen that each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of available P between 14.5 to 7.2 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0054] Preferably, more than 0 and up to 138 mg, preferably more than 0 and up to 69 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed is supplemented.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the invention concerning the method for growing poultry, said hydroxylated vitamin D3 is 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, 1 -hydroxy vitamin D3 or 1 ,25-di hydroxy vitamin D3, preferably 25-hydroxy vitamin D3.

[0056] Preferably, said poultry are aged 1 to 21 days, 22 to 42 days or 43 to 56 days.

[0057] A third aspect of the invention is directed to a method for selecting a desired food conversion rate for poultry when feeding poultry with poultry feed reduced by total Ca and / or available P, but supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3, comprising (a) selecting a desired food conversion; (b) reducing total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed dependent on the selected food conversion rate; and (c) supplementing hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed per each reduction of total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed.

[0058] Preferably, said poultry feed has not less than 0.6% total Ca and / or not less than 0.3% available P.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the invention concerning the method for selecting a desired food conversion rate for poultry, it is foreseen that said feed conversion rate is between 1.1 to 1.5.

[0060] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention concerning the method for selecting a desired food conversion rate for poultry, it is foreseen that each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of total Ca between 29.0 to 15.9 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0061] Preferably, each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of available P between 14.5 to 7.2 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the invention concerning the method for selecting a desired food conversion rate for poultry, it is foreseen that more than 0 and up to 138 mg, preferably more than 0 and up to 69 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed is supplemented.

[0063] Preferably, said hydroxylated vitamin D3 is 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, 1 -hydroxy vitamin D3 or 1 ,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3, preferably 25-hydroxy vitamin D3.

[0064] Further preferred it is foreseen that said poultry are aged 1 to 21 days, 22 to 42 days or 43 to 56 days.

[0065] A fourth aspect of the invention is directed to a method for producing poultry feed, comprising supplementing poultry feed with hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed per each reduction of total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed, while maintaining poultry performance.

[0066] Preferably, poultry performance is determined by feed conversion rate (FCR).

[0067] In a preferred embodiment of the invention concerning the method for producing poultry feed, it is foreseen that poultry fed with said total Ca and / or available P reduced and hydroxylated vitamin D3 supplemented poultry feed have the same feed conversion rate as poultry fed with the same poultry feed, but not reduced by total Ca and / or available P and not supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3.

[0068] Further preferred, it is foreseen that said poultry feed has not less than 0.6% total Ca and / or not less than 0.3% available P.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention concerning the method for producing poultry feed, it is foreseen that said feed conversion rate is between 1.1 to 1.5.

[0070] Preferably, each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of total Ca between 29.0 to 15.9 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0071] In a further embodiment of the present invention concerning the method for producing poultry feed, it is foreseen that each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of available P between 14.5 to 7.2 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing poultry feed it is foreseen that more than 0 and up to 138 mg, preferably more than 0 and up to 69 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed is supplemented.

[0073] Preferably, it is foreseen according to the present invention that said hydroxylated vitamin D3 is 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, 1-hydroxy vitamin D3 or 1 , 25-di hydroxy vitamin D3, preferably 25- hydroxy vitamin D3.

[0074] Further preferred according to the present invention concerning the method for producing poultry feed, said poultry are aged 1 to 21 days, 22 to 42 days or 43 to 56 days.

[0075] A fifth aspect of the present invention is directed to a use of hydroxylated vitamin D3 for obtaining in poultry essentially the same feed conversion rate when fed poultry feed reduced by total Ca and / or available P as in poultry when fed with the same poultry feed, but not reduced by total Ca and / or available P and not supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention concerning the use of hydroxylated vitamin D3 for obtaining in poultry essentially the same feed conversion rate, said poultry feed has not less than 0.6% total Ca and / or not less than 0.3% available P.

[0077] Preferably, it is foreseen that said feed conversion rate is between 1.1 to 1.5.

[0078] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention concerning the use of hydroxylated vitamin D3 for obtaining in poultry essentially the same feed conversion rate, it is foreseen that the use of the present invention foresees that each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of total Ca between 29.0 to 15.9 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0079] Preferably, it is foreseen that in the use of the present invention concerning the use of hydroxylated vitamin D3 for obtaining in poultry essentially the same feed conversion rate each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of available P between 14.5 to 7.2 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0080] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention concerning the use of hydroxylated vitamin D3 for obtaining in poultry essentially the same feed conversion rate, it is foreseen in the use of the present invention that more than 0 and up to 138 mg, preferably more than 0 and up to 69 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed is supplemented. Preferably, it is foreseen in the use of the present invention that said hydroxylated vitamin D3 is 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, 1-hydroxy vitamin D3 or 1 , 25-di hydroxy vitamin D3, preferably 25- hydroxy vitamin D3.

[0081] In a further preferred embodiment concerning the use of hydroxylated vitamin D3 for obtaining in poultry essentially the same feed conversion rate, it is foreseen that the said poultry are aged 1 to 21 days, 22 to 42 days or 43 to 56 days.

[0082] In a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to poultry feed comprising not less than 0.3 % available P, not less than at least 0.6% total Ca and hydroxylated vitamin D3.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention concerning poultry feed, it is foreseen that the poultry feed is comprising (i) between 1 to 138 mg, preferably more than 0 and up to 69 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton, (ii) not less than 0.3% available P which is per each 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed reduced by available P between 14.5 to 7.2 g per ton poultry feed, and (iii) not less than 0.6% total Ca which is per each 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed reduced by total Ca between 29.0 to 15.9 g per ton poultry feed, wherein said poultry feed provides for a feed conversion rate between 1.1 to 1.5.

[0084] Preferably, the poultry feed of the present invention comprises not less than 0.3% and up to 0.7% available P and not less than 0.6% and up to 1.0% total Ca.

[0085] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention concerning poultry feed, it is foreseen that said hydroxylated vitamin D3 is 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, 1-hydroxy vitamin D3 or 1 ,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3, preferably 25-hydroxy vitamin D3.

[0086] The present invention is also characterized by the following items:

[0087] 1. A method for reducing total Ca and / or available P in poultry feed, comprising supplementing poultry feed with hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed, wherein each supplementation allows a reduction of total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed, while maintaining poultry performance.

[0088] 2. The method of item 1 , wherein poultry performance is determined by feed conversion rate (FCR).

[0089] 3. The method of item 2, wherein poultry fed with said total Ca and / or available P reduced and hydroxylated vitamin D3 supplemented poultry feed have essentially the same feed conversion rate (FCR) as poultry fed with the same poultry feed, but not reduced by total Ca and / or available P and not supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3. 4. The method of any one of items 1 to 3, wherein said poultry feed has not less than 0.6% total Ca and / or not less than 0.3% available P.

[0090] 5. The method of any one of items 2 to 4, wherein said feed conversion rate is between 1.1 to 1.5.

[0091] 6. The method of any one of items 1 to 5, wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of total Ca between 29.0 to 15.9 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0092] 7. The method of any one of items 1 to 6, wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of available P between 14.5 to 7.2 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0093] 8. The method of any one of items 1 to 7, wherein more than 0 and up to 138 mg, preferably more than 0 and up to 69 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed is supplemented.

[0094] 9. The method of any one of items 1 to 8, wherein said hydroxylated vitamin D3 is 25- hydroxy vitamin D3, 1 -hydroxy vitamin D3 or 1 ,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3, preferably 25- hydroxy vitamin D3.

[0095] 10. The method of any one of items 1 to 9, wherein said poultry are aged 1 to 21 days, (starter) 22 to 42 days (grower) or 43 to 56 days (finisher).

[0096] 11. A method for growing poultry, comprising feeding poultry with poultry feed supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed, wherein each supplementation allows a reduction of total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed, while maintaining poultry performance.

[0097] 12. The method of item 11 , wherein poultry performance is determined by feed conversion rate (FCR).

[0098] 13. The method of item 12, wherein poultry fed with said total Ca and / or available P reduced and hydroxylated vitamin D3 supplemented poultry feed have the same feed conversion rate as poultry fed with the same poultry feed, but not reduced by total Ca and / or available P and not supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3.

[0099] 14. The method of item 11 , wherein said poultry feed has not less than 0.6% total Ca and / or not less than 0.3% available P.

[0100] 15. The method of item 12, 13 or 14, wherein said feed conversion rate is between 1.1 to 1.5. 16. The method of any one of items 11 to 15, wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of total Ca between 29.0 to 15.9 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0101] 17. The method of any one of items 11 to 16, wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of available P between 14.5 to 7.2 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0102] 18. The method of any one of items 11 to 17, wherein more than 0 and up to 138 mg, preferably more than 0 and up to 69 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed is supplemented.

[0103] 19. The method of any one of items 11 to 18, wherein said hydroxylated vitamin D3 is 25- hydroxy vitamin D3, 1 -hydroxy vitamin D3 or 1 ,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3, preferably 25- hydroxy vitamin D3.

[0104] 20. The method of any one of items 11 to 19, wherein said poultry are aged 1 to 21 days, 22 to 42 days or 43 to 56 days.

[0105] 21 . A method for selecting a desired food conversion rate for poultry when feeding poultry with poultry feed reduced by total Ca and / or available P, but supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3, comprising

[0106] (a) selecting a desired food conversion;

[0107] (b) reducing total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed dependent on the selected food conversion rate; and

[0108] (c) supplementing hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed per each reduction of total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed.

[0109] 22. The method of item 21 , wherein said poultry feed has not less than 0.6% total Ca and / or not less than 0.3% available P.

[0110] 23. The method of item 21 or 22, wherein said feed conversion rate is between 1.1 to 1.5.

[0111] 24. The method of any one of items 21 to 23, wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of total Ca between 29.0 to 15.9 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0112] 25. The method of any one of items 21 to 24, wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of available P between 14.5 to 7.2 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0113] 26. The method of any one of items 21 to 25, wherein more than 0 and up to 138 mg, preferably more than 0 and up to 69 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed is supplemented. 27. The method of any one of items 21 to 26, wherein said hydroxylated vitamin D3 is 25- hydroxy vitamin D3, 1 -hydroxy vitamin D3 or 1 ,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3, preferably 25- hydroxy vitamin D3.

[0114] 28. The method of any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein said poultry are aged 1 to 21 days, 22 to 42 days or 43 to 56 days.

[0115] 29. A method for producing poultry feed, comprising supplementing poultry feed with hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed per each reduction of total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed, while maintaining poultry performance.

[0116] 30. The method of item 29, wherein poultry performance is determined by feed conversion rate (FCR).

[0117] 31. The method of item 30, wherein poultry fed with said total Ca and / or available P reduced and hydroxylated vitamin D3 supplemented poultry feed have the same feed conversion rate as poultry fed with the same poultry feed, but not reduced by total Ca and / or available P and not supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3.

[0118] 32. The method of item 29, 30 or 31 , wherein said poultry feed has not less than 0.6% total Ca and / or not less than 0.3% available P.

[0119] 33. The method of any one of items 30 to 32, wherein said feed conversion rate is between 1.1 to 1.5.

[0120] 34. The method of any one of items 29 to 33, wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of total Ca between 29.0 to 15.9 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0121] 35. The method of any one of items 29 to 34, wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of available P between 14.5 to 7.2 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0122] 36. The method of any one of items 29 to 35, wherein more than 0 and up to 138 mg, preferably more than 0 and up to 69 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed is supplemented.

[0123] 37. The method of any one of items 29 to 36, wherein said hydroxylated vitamin D3 is 25- hydroxy vitamin D3, 1 -hydroxy vitamin D3 or 1 ,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3, preferably 25- hydroxy vitamin D3.

[0124] 38. The method of any one of items 29 to 37, wherein said poultry are aged 1 to 21 days, 22 to 42 days or 43 to 56 days.

[0125] 39. Use of hydroxylated vitamin D3 for obtaining in poultry essentially the same feed conversion rate when fed poultry feed reduced by total Ca and / or available P as in poultry when fed with the same poultry feed, but not reduced by total Ca and / or available P and not supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3.

[0126] 40. The use of item 39, wherein said poultry feed has not less than 0.6% total Ca and / or not less than 0.3% available P.

[0127] 41 . The use of item 39 or 40, wherein said feed conversion rate is between 1.1 to 1 .5

[0128] 42. The use of any one of items 39 to 41 , wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of total Ca between 29.0 to 15.9 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0129] 43. The use of any one of items 39 to 42, wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of available P between 14.5 to 7.2 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

[0130] 44. The use of any one of items 39 to 43, wherein more than 0 and up to 138 mg, preferably more than 0 and up to 69 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed is supplemented.

[0131] 45. The use of any one of items 39 to 44, wherein said hydroxylated vitamin D3 is 25- hydroxy vitamin D3, 1 -hydroxy vitamin D3 or 1 ,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3, preferably 25- hydroxy vitamin D3.

[0132] 46. The use of any one of items 39 to 45, wherein said poultry are aged 1 to 21 days, 22 to 42 days or 43 to 56 days.

[0133] 47. Poultry feed comprising not less than 0.3 % available P, not less than at least 0.6% total Ca and hydroxylated vitamin D3.

[0134] 48. The feed of item 47, comprising

[0135] (i) between 1 to 138 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton,

[0136] (ii) not less than 0.3% available P which is per each 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed reduced by available P between 14.5 to 1.4 g per ton poultry feed, and

[0137] (iii) not less than 0.6% total Ca which is per each 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed reduced by total Ca between 29.0 to 1.4 g per ton poultry feed, wherein said poultry feed provides for a feed conversion rate between 1.1 to 1.5.

[0138] 49. The feed of item 47 or 48, comprising not less than 0.3% and up to 0.7% available P and not less than 0,6% and up to 1.0% total Ca.

[0139] 50. The feed of any one of items 47 to 49, wherein said hydroxylated vitamin D3 is 25- hydroxy vitamin D3, 1 -hydroxy vitamin D3 or 1 ,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3. EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION

[0140] The following non-limiting examples illustrates the invention.

[0141] MATERIAL AND METHODS

[0142] Animal Husbandry and Experimental Design

[0143] A total of 560 Ross® 308 broiler chicks obtained from a commercial hatchery were housed from 1 to 21 days in metabolic battery cages (0.98 m length x 0.90 m width x 0.50 m height) with 10 broilers per cage (11.3 broilers / m2) in a controlled environment. Cages were checked daily for removal of dead birds; the mortality rate throughout the experiment was 3.35%, and the causes were unrelated to dietary treatments.

[0144] Birds were randomly assigned to a completely randomized design with 8 treatments and 7 replicates of 10 birds each. A 4 x 2 factorial arrangement was conducted, including 4 dietary levels of total Ca + available (av) P: 0.9 + 0.45%, 0.8 + 0.4%, 0.7 + 0.35%, and 0.6 + 0.3%; and with or without the supplementation of 25-OH-D3 at 69 pg / kg of feed. The total Ca + avP levels were altered together while keeping a constant 2:1 ratio. The experimental diets were mashed, based on corn and soybean meal (Table 1), and feed and water were offered ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Representative feed samples were collected during manufacturing.

[0145] Table 1. Ingredients and composition of experimental diets.

[0146] Supplied per kg diet: III: vit. A 11 ,000, cholechalciferol 4000; mg: a-tocopherol 55, menadione 3, thiamine 2.3, riboflavin 7, pantothenic acid 12, pyridoxine 4, cyanocobalamin 0.025, nicotinic acid 60, folic acid 2, biotin 0.25, selenium 0.3.

[0147] 2

[0148] Supplied per kg of diet: mg: copper 10, iron 50, iodine 1 , manganese 65, zinc 65.

[0149] 3

[0150] RONOZYME® HiPhos GT with 20,000 FYT / g (dsm-firmenich, Switzerland). Nutrient matrix values (1.5 g / kg non-phytate P and 1.8 g / kg Ca) were considered.

[0151] 4Hy-D® (dsm-firmenich, Switzerland), providing 69 mg 25-OH-D3 / ton of feed. insoluble marker (Celite® 400 - Celite Corp., Lompoc, USA).

[0152] The source of 25-OH-D3 was Hy-D® premix (dsm-firmenich, Kaiseraugst, Switzerland), included at 250 g / ton of feed (providing 69 mg of 25-OH-D3 / ton of feed) following the manufacturer’s recommendation. All diets contained commercial levels of vitamin D3 (4,000 lU / kg) added via premix. Phytase was supplied to all diets at a dose of 1 ,500 units (FYT) / kg of Ronozyme® HiPhos GT (Ronozyme® Hiphos GranulatedThermostable - dsm-firmenich, Kaiseraugst, Switzerland), with a minimum activity of 20,000 FYT / g of product. The recovery of 25-OH-D3 in the diets is presented in Table 2. The quantification of 25-OH-D3 was performed via high performance liquid chromatography by Biomin Holding GmbH (Tulin, Donau, Austria).

[0153] Table 2. Expected and analyzed dietary concentration of 25-OH-D3 in feed samples.

[0154] LOD, limit of detection.

[0155] Growth Performance

[0156] Broilers were weighted by cage on d 1 and 21 to determine mean body weight and calculate body weight gain (BWG). Feed allowance and feed refusal were weighted on day 1 and 21 to calculate feed intake (Fl). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated as the ratio between Fl and BWG, corrected to the weight of dead birds. Intake of Ca and avP in the period were calculated by multiplying dietary levels of the minerals by Fl.

[0157] Nutrient Digestibility Assay

[0158] At day 21 , 5 birds per replicate were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and eviscerated. Ileum was separated, defined as 4 cm below Meckel’s diverticulum and 4 cm above the ileum-cecum- colon junction, and ileal content of all five birds from each replicate was collected by gently stripping, pooled, placed in identified plastic containers, and frozen at -18°C. Samples were subsequently thawed to room temperature and dried in a force-ventilation oven at 55°C until constant weight. Feed and ileal samples were then grounded to 0.5 mm particle size. The DM content was obtained by oven drying the samples at 105°C for 16 h, and CP (method 954.01), Ca (method 927.02), and P (method 965.17) contents were analyzed according to methodology by AOAC (2007). Gross energy (GE) of the samples was determined in a calorimetric bomb (Ika Werke C2000 Control Oxygen Bomb Calorimeter - Ika-Werke GmbH&Co, Staufen, Germany). Acid-insoluble ash (AIA) was used as an insoluble marker compound, and AIA content in the samples was determined according to (Scott and Boldaji, 1997).

[0159] The coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) was calculated according to the following equation:

[0160] Where IF (indigestibility factor) is the ratio between diet AIA and ileal AIA. Ileal digestible energy (IDE) was calculated according to the equation:

[0161] IDE (kcal per kg DM) = GE of the diet - (GE of ileal digesta x IF) Statistical Analysis and Equivalence Calculation

[0162] All collected data were tested for residue normality by Shapiro-Wilk test and analyzed via a two-way ANOVA including 2 main factors and their interaction (P < 0.05). When significant interactions were observed, their deployment was submitted to mean comparison by Tukey test. Linear and quadratic analyses of regression were carried out to assess the effect of Ca+P levels, and a linear equation was fitted: Y = a + b x X, in which: Y = response variable; a = intercept, representing the value of y when x = 0; b = the line slope; and X = dose variable (Ca+P). The Ca and P equivalence of 25-OH-D3 was then determined by plotting bone ash and FCR in supplemented diets against the respective concentrations of Ca (0.9, 0.8, 0.7, and 0.6%) or P (0.45, 0.40, 0.35, and 0.30%) and comparing it with values obtained from nonsupplemented diets. Because effects were linear with no detectable plateau, the equivalence of Ca or P from the metabolite was calculated using the average value of FCR from the 4 plotted levels of Ca and P. All statistical procedures were conducted using a linear model on R program (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria).

[0163] RESULTS

[0164] Growth Performance

[0165] No interaction between factors was observed (P > 0.05) for growth performance variables from 1 to 21 d (Table 3). Average Fl was not affected by any treatments but reducing total Ca + available (av) P levels linearly reduced (P < 0.001) BWG, which led to a linear increase of FCR (P < 0.05). Total Ca and avP intakes in the period were also both linearly reduced (P < 0.001) with lower dietary concentrations. Inclusion of 25-OH-D3 improved FCR (P < 0.05) compared to non-supplemented diets.

[0166] Table 3. Effect of dietary levels of total Ca and available P (Ca+P) and inclusion of 25-OH- D3 on feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and intake of Ca and P of broilers from 1 to 21 days of age.

[0167] Data represents the mean of 7 replicates per treatment (10 birds per replicate). Fl, feed intake; BWG, body weight gain; FCR, feed conversion ratio. 1Hy-D® (dsm-firmenich, Switzerland).

[0168] Ileal Nutrient Digestibility and Digestible Energy

[0169] No interaction was detected for apparent ileal nutrient digestibility or IDE (Table 4). Reducing dietary Ca+P had an increasing linear effect on ileal digestibility of both Ca (P < 0.05) and P (P < 0.001). Supplementation of 25-OH-D3 increased Ca and P ileal digestibility (P < 0.05).

[0170] Apparent ileal digestibility of DM, CP, as well as IDE were not affected by any of the dietary treatments. Table 4. Effect of different dietary levels of total Ca and available P (Ca+P) and inclusion of 25-OH-D3 on apparent nutrient ileal digestibility of 21-d-old broilers.

[0171] Data represents the mean of 7 replicates per treatment (5 birds per replicate). IDE, Ileal digestible energy.

[0172] 1Hy-D® (dsm-firmenich, Switzerland).

[0173] Ca and P Equivalence of 25-OH-D3

[0174] The linear equations generated for FCR were used to estimate the equivalence of total Ca and av P from 25-OH-D3. FCR were plotted and the average equivalence for total Ca and av P was obtained from the difference between estimated values for supplemented and nonsupplemented treatments. Results are summarized in Table 5. For an average FCR (1 to 21 d) of 1.283, supplemented broilers required 0.74% total Ca and 0.37% avP in relation to 0.9% total Ca and 0.45% avP for non-supplemented birds, meaning a respective dietary total Ca and avP release of 0.16 and 0.08% from 25-OH-D3 inclusion.

[0175] Table 5. Total Ca and available P equivalence of 25-OH-D3 vitamin for 21-d-old broiler chickens. 1Hy-D® (DSM Nutritional Products - Kaiseraugst, Switzerland).

[0176] 2Dietary available P or total Ca level required to achieve an average 1.283 feed conversion ratio. difference of estimated nutrient between 25-OH-D3-supplemented and non-supplemented treatments.

[0177] The data of Table 5 above are further illustrated in Figure 1 and the exemplified calculation therein.

[0178] In summary, the results of the examples above shows the following:

[0179] The effect of including 25-OH-D3 in diets for broilers with different levels of total Ca and available (av)P was evaluated. A total of 560 broilers were reared from 1 to 21 days and distributed in a completely randomized design with a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement: 4 levels of total Ca+avP (0.9+0.45, 0.8+0.4, 0.7+0.35, 0.6+0.3%), and with or without the inclusion of 69 pg / kg feed of 25-OH-D3, totaling 8 treatments and 7 replicates of 10 birds. All diets contained 4,000 lll / kg of vitamin D3. No interactions were found between treatments for any of the analyzed variables. Reducing total Ca+avP levels linearly reduced BW gain and worsened feed conversion ratio, while supplementing 25-OH-D3 improved feed conversion ratio (P <

[0180] O.05). Reducing total Ca + avP levels linearly increased (P < 0.05) ileal digestibility of Ca and

[0181] P. Dietary inclusion of 25-OH-D3 led to greater ileal digestibility of Ca and P compared to nonsupplemented birds. It was concluded that a reduction of dietary Ca+P down to 0.6 + 0.3% was detrimental to growth performance; dietary supplementation of 25-OH-D3 combined with regular vitamin D3 levels improves performance and increases ileal digestibility, absorption regardless of dietary Ca + avP levels. Calculated equivalence of 25-OH-D3 were and 0.08% avP and 0.16% total Ca for 1.283 average feed conversion ratio from 1 to 21 d.

[0182] As conclusion, the inventors could show that a steep reduction of dietary Ca and avP levels (kept to a constant 2:1 ratio) down to 0.6 and 0.3%, respectively, can be detrimental to growth performance of 21-d-old broiler chickens. Supplementation of 25-OH-D3 at 69 pg / kg improved performance and increased Ca and P digestibility, 25-OH-D3 status, regardless of dietary Ca and avP concentration. The results suggest that inclusion of 25-OH-D3 in combination with commercial vitamin D3 levels (100 pg / kg) is beneficial to vitamin D status and utilization of Ca and P for growing broilers. The proposed calculated equivalence of mineral release from the metabolite were 0.08% avP and 0.16% total Ca for 1.283 average feed conversion ratio from 1 to 21 d. REFERENCES

[0183] Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC) 2006. Official methods of analysis. 18th ed. 1AOAC Int., Gaithersburg, MD, USA.

[0184] Bassi, L. S., F. A. Moreno, C. C. S. Martins, R. F. Sens, C. A. Lozano-Poveda, and A. Maiorka. 2023. Effect of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation with different dietary available phosphorus levels for broilers. Br. Poult. Sci. 65:71-78.

[0185] Bozkurt, M., S. Yalgin, B. Koger, A. E. Tuzun, H. Akgit, S. Ozkan, M. Uygun, G. Ege, G.

[0186] Guven, and O. Yildiz. 2017. Effects of enhancing vitamin D status by 25- hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation, alone or in combination with calcium and phosphorus, on sternum mineralisation and breast meat quality in broilers. Br. Poult. Sci. 58:452-461.

[0187] Delezie, E., K. Bierman, L. Nollet, and L. Maertens. 2015. Impacts of calcium and phosphorus concentration, their ratio, and phytase supplementation level on growth performance, foot pad lesions, and hock burn of broiler chickens. J. App. Poult. Res. 24:115- 126.

[0188] Driver, J. P., G. M. Pesti, R. I. Bakalli, and H. M. Edwards. 2005. Calcium requirements of the modern broiler chicken as influenced by dietary protein and age. Poult. Sci. 84:1629- 1639.

[0189] Garcia, A. F. Q. M., A. E. Murakami, C. R. Do Amaral Duarte, I. C. O. Rojas, K. P. Picoli, and M. M. Puzotti. 2013. Use of vitamin D3 and its metabolites in broiler chicken feed on performance, bone parameters and meat quality. Asian-Australas. J. Anim. Sci. 26:408-415.

[0190] Gil, A., J. Plaza-Diaz, and M. D. Mesa. 2018. Vitamin D: classic and novel actions. Ann. Nutr. Metab. 72:87-95.

[0191] Han, J. C., G. H. Chen, J. G. Wang, J. L. Zhang, H. X. Qu, C. M. Zhang, Y. F. Yan, and Y. H. Cheng. 2016. Evaluation of relative bioavailability of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol to cholecalciferol for broiler chickens. Asian-Australas. J. Anim. Sci. 29:1145-1151.

[0192] Humer, E., C. Schwarz, and K. Schedle. 2015. Phytate in pig and poultry nutrition. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. (Berl.) 99:605-625. ISO. 2009. Animal feeding stuffs - determination of phytase activity. 2nd ed. International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland.

[0193] Li, X., D. Zhang, T. Yang, and W. Bryden. 2016. Phosphorus bioavailability: a key aspect for conserving this critical animal feed resource with reference to broiler nutrition. Agriculture 6:25.

[0194] Oikeh, I., P. Sakkas, D. P. Blake, and I. Kyriazakis. 2019. Interactions between dietary calcium and phosphorus level, and vitamin D source on bone mineralization, performance, and intestinal morphology of coccidia-infected broilers. Poult. Sci. 98:5679-5690.

[0195] Scott, T. A., and F. Boldaji. 1997. Comparison of inert markers [chromic oxide or insoluble ash (CeliteTM)] for determining apparent metabolizable energy of wheat- or barley-based broiler diets with or without enzymes. Poult. Sci. 76:594-598.

[0196] Teegarden, D., K. P. Nickel, and L. Shi. 2000. Characterization of 25-hydroxyvitamin D binding protein from intestinal cells. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 275:845-849.

[0197] Zhang, L. H., T. F. He, J. X. Hu, M. Li, and X. S. Piao. 2020. Effects of normal and low calcium and phosphorus levels and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation on performance, serum antioxidant status, meat quality, and bone properties of broilers. Poult. Sci. 99:5663-5672.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for reducing total Ca and / or available P in poultry feed, comprising supplementing poultry feed with hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed, wherein each supplementation allows a reduction of total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed, while maintaining poultry performance, preferably wherein poultry performance is determined by feed conversion rate (FCR).

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein poultry fed with said total Ca and / or available P reduced and hydroxylated vitamin D3 supplemented poultry feed have essentially the same feed conversion rate (FCR) as poultry fed with the same poultry feed, but not reduced by total Ca and / or available P and not supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3.

3. The method of any one of claim 1 or 2, wherein said poultry feed has not less than 0.6% total Ca and / or not less than 0.3% available P, and wherein said feed conversion rate is between 1.1 to 1.5.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of total Ca between 29.0 to 15.9 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR, and / or wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of available P between 14.5 to 7.2 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein more than 0 and up to 138 mg, preferably more than 0 and up to 69 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed is supplemented, preferably wherein said hydroxylated vitamin D3 is 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, 1 -hydroxy vitamin D3 or 1 ,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3, in particular preferred 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, and preferably wherein said poultry are aged 1 to 21 days, (starter) 22 to 42 days (grower) or 43 to 56 days (finisher).

6. A method for growing poultry, comprising feeding poultry with poultry feed supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed, wherein each supplementation allows a reduction of total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed, while maintaining poultry performance, preferably wherein poultry performance is determined by feed conversion rate (FCR).

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the method is characterized by any one or more of the following:(i) wherein poultry fed with said total Ca and / or available P reduced and hydroxylated vitamin D3 supplemented poultry feed have the same feedconversion rate as poultry fed with the same poultry feed, but not reduced by total Ca and / or available P and not supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3;(ii) wherein said poultry feed has not less than 0.6% total Ca and / or not less than 0.3% available P;(iii) wherein said feed conversion rate is between 1.1 to 1.5;(iv) wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of total Ca between 29.0 to 15.9 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR;(v) wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of available P between 14.5 to 7.2 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR;(vi) wherein more than 0 and up to 138 mg, preferably more than 0 and up to 69 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed is supplemented;(vii) wherein said hydroxylated vitamin D3 is 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, 1 -hydroxy vitamin D3 or 1 ,25-di hydroxy vitamin D3, in particular preferred 25-hydroxy vitamin D3; and / or(viii) wherein said poultry are aged 1 to 21 days, 22 to 42 days or 43 to 56 days.

8. A method for selecting a desired food conversion rate for poultry when feeding poultry with poultry feed reduced by total Ca and / or available P, but supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3, comprising(a) selecting a desired food conversion;(b) reducing total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed dependent on the selected food conversion rate; and(c) supplementing hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed per each reduction of total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the method is characterized by any one or more of the following:(i) wherein said poultry feed has not less than 0.6% total Ca and / or not less than 0.3% available P;(ii) wherein said feed conversion rate is between 1.1 to 1.5;(iii) wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of total Ca between 29.0 to 15.9 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR;(iv) wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of available P between 14.5 to 7.2 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR;(v) wherein more than 0 and up to 138 mg, preferably more than 0 and up to 69 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed is supplemented;(vi) wherein said hydroxylated vitamin D3 is 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, 1 -hydroxy vitamin D3 or 1 ,25-di hydroxy vitamin D3, in particular preferred 25-hydroxy vitamin D3; and / or(vii) wherein said poultry are aged 1 to 21 days, 22 to 42 days or 43 to 56 days.

10. A method for producing poultry feed, comprising supplementing poultry feed with hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed per each reduction of total Ca and / or available P per ton poultry feed, while maintaining poultry performance, preferably wherein poultry performance is determined by feed conversion rate (FCR).

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the method is characterized by any one or more of the following:(i) wherein poultry fed with said total Ca and / or available P reduced and hydroxylated vitamin D3 supplemented poultry feed have the same feed conversion rate as poultry fed with the same poultry feed, but not reduced by total Ca and / or available P and not supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3;(ii) wherein said poultry feed has not less than 0.6% total Ca and / or not less than 0.3% available P;(iii) wherein said feed conversion rate is between 1.1 to 1.5;(iv) wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of total Ca between 29.0 to 15.9 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR;(v) wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of available P between 14.5 to 7.2 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR;(vi) wherein more than 0 and up to 138 mg, preferably more than 0 and up to 69 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed is supplemented;(vii) wherein said hydroxylated vitamin D3 is 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, 1 -hydroxy vitamin D3 or 1 ,25-di hydroxy vitamin D3, in particular preferred 25-hydroxy vitamin D3; and / or(viii) wherein said poultry are aged 1 to 21 days, 22 to 42 days or 43 to 56 days.

12. Use of hydroxylated vitamin D3 for obtaining in poultry essentially the same feed conversion rate when fed poultry feed reduced by total Ca and / or available P as in poultry when fed with the same poultry feed, but not reduced by total Ca and / or available P and not supplemented with hydroxylated vitamin D3.

13. The use of claim 12, wherein the method is characterized by any one or more of the following:(i) wherein said poultry feed has not less than 0.6% total Ca and / or not less than 0.3% available P;(ii) wherein said feed conversion rate is between 1.1 to 1.5;(iii) wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of total Ca between 29.0 to 15.9 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired;(iv) wherein each supplementation of 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed allows a reduction of available P between 14.5 to 7.2 g per ton poultry feed, depending on the desired FCR;(v) wherein more than 0 and up to 138 mg, preferably more than 0 and up to 69 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed is supplemented;(vi) wherein said hydroxylated vitamin D3 is 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, 1 -hydroxy vitamin D3 or 1 ,25-di hydroxy vitamin D3, in particular preferred 25-hydroxy vitamin D3; and / or(vii) wherein said poultry are aged 1 to 21 days, 22 to 42 days or 43 to 56 days.

14. Poultry feed comprising not less than 0.3 % available P, not less than at least 0.6% total Ca and hydroxylated vitamin D3, preferably wherein said hydroxylated vitamin D3 is 25-hydroxy vitamin D3, 1-hydroxy vitamin D3 or 1 ,25-di hydroxy vitamin D3, in particular preferred 25-hydroxy vitamin D3.

15. The feed of claim 14, comprising one or more of the following:(iii) between 1 to 138 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton,(iv) not less than 0.3% available P which is per each 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed reduced by available P between 14.5 to 7.2 g per ton poultry feed, and(iii) not less than 0.6% total Ca which is per each 1 mg hydroxylated vitamin D3 per ton poultry feed reduced by total Ca between 29.0 to 15.9 g per ton poultry feed,wherein said poultry feed provides for a feed conversion rate between 1.1 to 1.5; and / or(iv) comprising not less than 0.3% and up to 0.7% available P and not less than 0.6% and up to 1.0% total Ca.

Images