The effect of Cd and vitamin D3 on the solidity of eggshell

 The effect of cadmium and vitamin D₃ on the solidity of eggshells was observed. Laying hens were divided into 7 groups with 10 animals per group. In the experimental groups 1, 2, and 3, we administered daily 0.3; 10.0, and 15.0 mg CdCl₂ kg^–1 body weight, respectively; in experimental groups 4, 5, and 6 were administered the same CdCl₂ concentrations as above supplemented with a preventive dose of vitamin D₃ Group 7 was the control group. In groups 1, 2, and 3, the mean values of solidity were 29.50; 27.58, and 27.34 N/cm². In the control group, the mean value was 34.05 N/cm². In the experimental groups 4, 5, and 6, supplemented with vitamin D₃ and cadmium, the values were significantly higher: 34.26, 30.59, and 29.48 N/cm², respectively It is obvious that the interaction of vitamin D₃ with Cd reduced an adverse effect of cadmium. Received: 14 February 2000 / Revised version: 15 May 2000