Vitamin K3 plays a very important role in maintaining the health of poultry, especially in blood clotting and bone metabolism. A deficiency of this vitamin can lead to serious health issues in chickens, such as internal bleeding and growth problems. Want to learn more about the benefits of Vitamin K3 for your poultry? Read this article to understand how this vitamin can help support your flock’s overall health!
What Is Vitamin K3 for Animals?
Vitamin K3, also known as menadione, helps prevent bleeding and ensures animals can regulate normal blood clotting. It also supports the formation of proteins needed for bone strength and heart health.
Vitamin K3 is commonly used in livestock feed because its synthetic form is more stable and easier for animals to absorb compared to natural forms (Vitamin K1 and K2). A deficiency of Vitamin K3 in livestock, especially chickens, can cause blood clotting issues, internal bleeding, and growth problems. That’s why supplementing Vitamin K3 in poultry feed is essential to maintain the overall health of farm animals.
Vitamin K3 or menadione is produced through chemical synthesis. The most common forms used in animal feed are Menadione Sodium Bisulfite (water-soluble) and Menadione Nicotinamide Bisulfite. Many proteins with important metabolic functions require vitamin K during biosynthesis, which means many tissues depend on it—especially bone tissue where two K-dependent proteins are involved in calcium and bone metabolism.
Benefits of Vitamin K3 for Animals
Vitamin K3 (menadione) offers many crucial benefits for animal health, especially in supporting essential biological processes. Here are the key benefits:
Supports Blood Clotting
Vitamin K3 plays a major role in blood clotting by helping produce clotting factors like prothrombin. A deficiency can cause uncontrollable bleeding, which can be fatal—especially in poultry. Supplementing Vitamin K3 ensures animals don’t experience dangerous clotting problems.
Prevents Internal Bleeding
One of the main benefits of Vitamin K3 is its ability to prevent internal bleeding in animals. In poultry, a deficiency may cause bleeding in internal organs, harming animal health and lowering productivity. With sufficient Vitamin K3, the risk of internal bleeding can be reduced.
Supports Bone Health
Vitamin K3 is important for synthesizing bone proteins like osteocalcin, which helps maintain bone density and strength. This is especially crucial for young animals that are still growing. Adequate Vitamin K3 helps prevent bone weakness and abnormal development.
Improves Metabolism and Liver Function
Vitamin K3 also supports liver health and metabolism. A healthy liver is essential for breaking down fats and filtering toxins. Vitamin K3 helps keep these processes in balance.
Prevents Growth Issues
A deficiency in Vitamin K3 can disrupt healthy growth in young animals, especially chicks. By ensuring sufficient Vitamin K3 intake, normal growth and development can be supported.
Boosts the Immune System
Vitamin K3 helps strengthen the immune system by supporting the body’s ability to respond to infections and inflammation. This helps animals stay healthier and more resilient.
Improves Livestock Productivity
In livestock raised for meat, eggs, or milk, Vitamin K3 supports better growth and overall health—leading to higher-quality production and more consistent results.
Reduces Deficiency-Related Disease Risks
Deficiency of Vitamin K3 increases the risk of internal bleeding, bone issues, and growth disorders. Supplementation helps keep animals healthier and more productive.
Vitamin K3 Supplier in Indonesia
Maha is the official distributor of Vitamin K3 in Indonesia. Looking for the right formulation ingredient for animal health? Consult our technical team to learn more about Vitamin K3 formulations and how they can benefit your livestock!