MODERATE EXCESS OF DIETARY VITAMIN-E DOES NOT EXACERBATE CHOLECALCIFEROL DEFICIENCY IN YOUNG BROILER CHICKS

1. The combined effect of moderate excess dietary vitamin E and margin al amounts of dietary cholecalciferol on the performance and tibia bon e ash of young male broiler chicks was evaluated. Vitamin E (alpha-toc opheryl acetate) and cholecalciferol were added to a commercial diet n ot already supplemented with these vitamins, at concentrations of 0 an d 150 mg/kg, and 1.875, 5 and 25 mu g/kg, respectively, and fed to chi cks for 23 d. 2. Vitamin E concentration and its combinations with cho lecalciferol did not significantly (P>0.05) affect food intake, weight gain, food efficiency and bone ash, These variables were significantl y (P<0.001) lower in chicks fed on the diets supplemented with 1.875 m u g cholecalciferol/kg compared with the values observed with the 2 ot her concentrations of this vitamin, There were no differences in the e ffects of 5 and 25 mu g cholecalciferol/kg diet on the above variables , 3. It was concluded that vitamin E, at a concentration of 150 mg/kg diet, did not aggravate a mild cholecalciferol deficiency.