Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Vitamin Content of Hay
Hay is a rich source of:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D — Correct Answer
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Vitamin D
Hay is a rich source of Vitamin D because the sun-drying process exposes the plant material to UV radiation, which converts ergosterol (plant sterol) to ergocalciferol (Vitamin D₂). This is the primary advantage of hay over other preserved forages.
Vitamin Content Changes During Haymaking
| Vitamin | Change During Hay Making | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin D | Greatly INCREASED ✓ | UV sunlight converts ergosterol → Vit D₂ |
| Vitamin A (carotene) | Lost up to 80% ✗ | UV and oxidation destroy β-carotene |
| Vitamin C | Lost | Oxidation during drying |
| Vitamin E | Partially lost | Oxidation |
Vitamin D — Additional Notes
- Vitamin D acts as a hormone — synthesized in skin on exposure to sunlight.
- Vitamin D causes calcium absorption through the GIT.
- Deficiency → Rickets (children), Osteomalacia (adults), "Penguin-like squat" posture in hens.
- Sorghum (Jowar) loses its cyanide toxicity during hay-making due to denaturation of enzymes.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Vitamin A → LOST up to 80% during sun-drying; hay is a poor source of Vitamin A.
- Vitamin C → destroyed by heat and oxidation during drying.
- Vitamin E → partially destroyed during field curing; not a notable advantage of hay.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
