Alfacalcidol (1-Alpha-Hydroxycholecalciferol) and Its Efficacy in Broiler Nutrition

Alfacalcidol (1-alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol) is a synthetic analog of vitamin D. This medicine has been considered as a precursor for calcitriol (1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) which alters to calcitriol after hydroxylation. Alfacalcidol is one of the most effective compounds that enter the body and can be converted to an active form and be effective in conditions that the body is challenged with vitamin D insufficiency or hypocalcemia. The clinical benefits of alfacalcidol are relevant to stimulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, improving muscle functions, and improving bone mineralization. Several studies have been conducted regarding the supplementation of alfacalcidol in broiler chickens diet. In summary, results of some studies revealed that the effectiveness of alfacalcidol significantly decreases with the increase in dietary calcium level. This vitamin D metabolite not only acts by hydrolyzing phytate molecules in a phytase-like manner, but also enhances the utilization of phytate phosphorus in other procedures. Also, results of a research trial showed that the best results regarding performance criteria and bone tissue formation in broiler chickens eventuated when 5 μg of alfacalcidol and 1500 IU of cholecalciferol/kg of diet were supplemented to diet.