Which vitamin is essential for calcium absorption in livestock?

Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption in livestock due to its role in promoting the intestinal absorption of calcium from the diet. This vitamin assists in the regulation of calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood, which are vital for maintaining healthy bone development and overall metabolic functions. When animals are deficient in vitamin D, they can experience issues such as impaired growth, skeletal deformities, and reduced reproductive performance due to inadequate calcium utilization.

Understanding the importance of vitamin D in livestock can help producers ensure proper nutrition and prevent deficiencies that could significantly affect the health and productivity of the animals. Providing adequate sunlight exposure or dietary sources of vitamin D is essential to support the physiological processes involved in calcium metabolism.