Vitamin E hypervitaminosis in laying hens

The aim of this investigation was to contribute to the problem of overdosing Vitamin E. A total of 80 laying hens, divided into 5 groups, were fed diets supplemented with 0; 100, 1000, 10 000 and 20 000 mg/kg vitamin E over a period of 20 weeks within two brooding tests. Laying performance and hatching parameters were registered. All vitamin E doses did not significantly influence health and performances of hens. Vitamin E content of eggs increased from 1 to 4, 21, 46 and 51 mg per egg with vitamin E supplementation. High doses decreased oxidative stability of abdominal fat, vitamin A concentration of liver and egg yolk colour. In both tests vitamin E supplements of 10 000 and 20 000 mg/kg feed resulted in a decrease of living hatched chicken, which demonstrated an adverse effect. Further studies seem to be necessary to explain the effect.