Avian riboflavin deficiency causes reliably reproducible peripheral nerve demyelination and, with vitamin supplementation, rapid remyelination

Abstract

Riboflavin deficiency produces severe peripheral neve demyelination in young, rapidly growing chickens. While this naturally-occurring vitamin B2 deficiency can cause a debilitating peripheral neuropathy, and mortality, in poultry flocks, it can also be a useful experimental animal model to study the pathogenesis of reliably reproducible peripheral nerve demyelination. Moreover, restitution of normal riboflavin levels in deficient birds results in brisk remyelination. It is the only acquired, primary, demyelinating tomaculous neuropathy described to date in animals. The only other substance that causes peripheral nerve demyelination similar to avian riboflavin deficiency is tellurium and the pathologic features of the peripheral neuropathy produced by this developmental neurotoxin in weanling rats are also described.

From Metabolism to Vitality: Uncovering Riboflavin’s Importance in Poultry Nutrition

“…The introduction of riboflavin through dietary supplementation has demonstrated its capacity to fortify the poultry's antioxidant defense mechanisms, thereby engendering an ameliorated state of overall health and performance [11,23,120,121]. The beneficial impacts extend beyond a mere enhancement in antioxidant potential and growth facilitation; riboflavin supplementation additionally exerts a constructive influence on immune functions [126] (Figure 5), culminating in an elevated state of avian well-being and concurrently fostering favorable economic outcomes [7,9,13].…”

“…Riboflavin, standing prominently as one of the eight essential B-vitamins, assumes an unparalleled role due to its involvement in an extensive array of metabolic reactions that constitute the foundation of life [8,9]. Functioning as a critical coenzyme precursor, vitamin B 2 orchestrates pivotal redox reactions, contributing indispensably to the intricate processes of energy production, growth facilitation, and the coordination of immune responses [10,11].…”

“…By elucidating how vitamin B 2 shapes metabolic landscapes and influences avian health, nutritionists, researchers, and poultry producers can advance towards enhanced sustainability and efficiency in the industry's landscape. As the poultry industry continues its ascendancy [27], riboflavin's centrality as a cornerstone of avian nourishment becomes increasingly pronounced [9]. Table 1 provides a summary of the primary functions of vitamin B 2 .…”