Nutritional approach for the improvement of leg bone health in broiler chicks

초록

The selection for rapid growth from approximately 40 g to 3 kg in 42 days has inadvertently led to leg bone disorders, such as tibial dyschondroplasia (TD), rickets, and valgus-varus deformities, resulting in lameness, economic losses, and welfare issues in broilers. TD, a common metabolic leg bone disorder in broilers, disrupts the normal sequence of chondrocyte differentiation, where the normal conversion of cartilage to bone is interrupted. Nutrition plays a crucial role in bone growth by influencing bone structure, mineral bioavailability, and collagen synthesis in chicks. Amino acids, such as lysine and methionine, support collagen synthesis, a critical component of bone matrix. The formation of collagen also relies on proline and glycine, which together contribute significantly to collagen production, especially during periods of rapid early growth. Energy and protein levels should be balanced with bone maturation, since excessive early growth without corresponding bone development can lead to leg deformities in broiler chicks. Dietary ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids improve bone health by increasing bone mineral density, decreasing bone resorption, and increasing bone formation in chicks. Calcium and phosphorus, when present in appropriate amounts and ratios, are essential for the formation of hydroxyapatite, while vitamin D3 activates the absorption of these minerals in the gut. Micro-elements, including manganese, zinc, and copper, serve as essential enzyme cofactors for chondrocyte differentiation and osteoblast activity in bone structure. In conclusion, implementing appropriate nutritional strategies can greatly enhance leg bone health in chicks, improve their welfare, and contribute to a sustainable broiler production system.

키워드