Vitamin K₃ known as menadione sodium is necessary for synthesis of prothrombin, thus it plays an important role in clotting mechanisms, coagulation and also has a protective effect against coccidiosis. Vitamin K3 is also essential for bone health. Deficiency of vitamin K3 may cause an increase of blood spots in eggs, haemorrhages in the legs and breast and a failure of blood clotting which means excessive bleeding even with minor injuries.