Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is a component of coenzyme A, one of the most important molecules in all of cellular metabolism. Coenzyme A is involved in over 70 enzymatic reactions including the breakdown and synthesis of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, as well as the production of adrenal hormones that help chickens cope with stress. The name itself comes from the Greek word 'pantos' meaning 'everywhere,' reflecting how universal this vitamin is in biochemistry.
For laying hens, pantothenic acid supports consistent egg production and is critical for embryo development. Deficient breeding flocks produce eggs with significantly reduced hatchability — embryos die in the late stages of development. The vitamin also supports skin integrity and feather health, and plays a role in maintaining the mucous membranes that line the respiratory and digestive tracts.
Pantothenic acid deficiency is relatively uncommon in flocks eating balanced commercial feed because the vitamin is widely distributed in natural foods (again, the name means 'everywhere'). However, it can become limiting in birds fed primarily home-mixed grain diets without a vitamin-mineral premix, or in flocks under chronic stress that increases demand.
Laying hens need about 10 to 12 mg of pantothenic acid per kilogram of feed. Commercial feeds provide this. Natural food sources include brewer's yeast (one of the richest sources), sunflower seeds, peas, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens. A sprinkle of brewer's yeast on feed covers multiple B vitamins simultaneously, making it one of the most efficient single supplements for a backyard flock.
0.0% of daily nutrient intake
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) makes up 0.0% of your chicken's total daily nutritional requirements by weight. That's a tiny amount — but it matters.
Crusty scabs at the corners of the mouth and on the feet, poor feathering, reduced growth, liver damage, reduced egg production, poor hatchability of fertile eggs, general failure to thrive, dermatitis on the feet and legs
Pantothenic acid is water-soluble and excess is excreted without issue. There is no documented toxicity from dietary sources in poultry.
| Life Stage | Size | Min | Max | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | — | 10 | 12 | mg/kg feed | Widely distributed in foods (pantos = everywhere). Deficiency uncommon on balanced feeds but possible on home-mixed grain diets without premix. |
Source: NRC Poultry 1994; general veterinary consensus
