Growth, Thyroid Function, and Serum Macromineral Levels in Magnesium-Deficient Chicks

Abstract

Growth and thyroid function were studied in Mg-deficient chicks. Dietary levels of 80 to 315 ppm Mg were compared with control levels of 578 to 787 ppm Mg. Signs of Mg deficiency appeared rapidly and acutely within 2 to 5 days at dietary levels of 250 to 260 ppm or lower. Growth and feed intake decreased progressively as the deficiency became more severe. Control chicks pair-fed with the deficient chicks gained significantly more weight. Serum Mg decreased at all levels of Mg below control, but at 260 and 315 ppm it returned to control values after 21 days on treatment. Serum Ca diminished only when dietary Mg was 250 ppm or less. Serum K increased in severely deficient chicks but decreased over time in milder deficiencies. Thyroid gland weights were unchanged. However, very young chicks fed a Mg-deficient diet had lower serum 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) whereas serum thyroxine (T4) was generally unaffected. Beyond 1 wk of age chicks that had prior access to a Mg-sufficient diet had low serum T4 levels whereas serum T3 was unchanged. Therefore, peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism is altered in a Mg deficiency, but this effect is dependent on the age at which the deficiency occurs.

Magnesium

“…Chicks may have brief episodes of convulsions followed by coma, from which they usually recover. Mahoney et al (1992) noted an 80% reduction in growth of broilers fed 0.02 vs 0.06% Mg.…”

Magnesium s Functions and Metabolism in Poultry Nutrition

“…Çiftlik hayvanlarının gerçek Mg gereksinimleri, hayvanın büyüme dönemine, performansına ve üreme dönemine bağlıdır (Gaal et al, 2004). Rasyondaki kullanılabilir Mg, Mg kaynağına bağlı olarak değişmekte olup kanatlılarda yaşla birlikte Mg gereksinimleri azalmaktadır (Mahoney et al, 1992). (1985).…”

Traditional Fermentation Increases Goitrogenic Activity in Pearl Millet

“…Selenium deficiency has also been shown to interfere with peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism [13]. Mineral deficiencies are also reported to result in growth retardation and impairment of specific body functions: this is notably the case for calcium [14], copper [15], and magnesium [16]. The effects of such traditional fermentation procedure on the mineral content of millet and its biological implications have not been reported so far.…”