The utility of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3), the active hormonal form of vitamin D3, in animal agriculture has been conclusively demonstrated over the past two decades. For example, 1,25- (OH)2D3 has been used successfully in the prevention of periparturient hypocalcemia in dairy cattle and control of tibia dyschondroplasia (TD) in chickens and turkeys. In addition, 1,25-(OH)2D3 has also been used to enhance phosphorus conservation in poultry. Therefore, cost effective, large-scale availability of 1,25-(OH)2D3 would greatly benefit the agricultural marketplace.Presently 1,25-(OH)2D3 is exclusively used as a human pharmaceutical product with a total world usage of 100-150 grams per year. The cost for pharmaceutical grade 1,25-(OH)2D3 ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 per gram. The implementation of programs designed to use 1,25-(OH)2D3 in large-scale animal applications has, however, been hampered due to the high cost of manufacturing and the overwhelming quantities required for agricultural applications.Our Phase I program intends to prove the concept that Solanum glaucophyllum, a plant growing wild in parts of South America and Florida, can be utilized as a practical and readily available source of naturally occurring 1,25-(OH)2D3-like activity for use in agricultural applications.
Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research::As a naturally occurring source of 1,25-(OH)2D3 activity, S. glycophyllum has the potential to become widely used by the animal feed industry to treat the conditions of tibia dyschondroplasia in poultry and milk fever dairy cows. The potential beneficial effect of S. Glycophyllum treatment on beef tenderness would create a more desirable product and increased consumption. Also S. Glycophyllum administration would enhance absorption of dietary phosphorous from animal feed, thereby reducing the cost of supplemental inorganic phosphorous and decreasing the amount of phosphate in animal waste materials.
