Cestrum diurnum leaf as a source of 1,25(OH)2 Vitamin D3 improves egg shell thickness

Incorporation of Cestrum diurnum leaf improves intestinal Ca transport in broilers

“…CD leaf powder is a natural rich source of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 [17]. We have earlier shown that inclusion of 0.15 and 0.30% of CD leaf powder along with the basal diet for 1 year, significantly improved egg shell thickness [18]. Keeping in view the pro- hibitively expensive nature of commercial 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 , that is commonly used in feed supplements, the present study was conducted to assess whether this could serve as an inexpensive, natural source of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 , to supplement poultry feed to increase intestinal calcium absorption so as to overcome the problems of tibial dyschondroplasia and the consequent low FCRs.…”

“…Earlier studies from our laboratory [17] also reported increased bone weight and density in vitamin D deficient rats fed dry leaves of CD. Further, feeding CD leaf powder increased the eggshell thickness in layers [18]. In the present study, the efficacy of dried leaves of CD was explored as an inexpensive, natural source of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 to improve bone strength in broiler chicken.…”