MINERAL METABOLISM AND CHELATED MINERALS FOR HATCHLINGS

摘要

Trace minerals have not received enough attention in nutrition research for young birds. Studies have been carried out to define their role in later juvenile and adult metabolism, but they are also important in embryological and early post-natal development. Both excesses and deficiencies are associated with fetal malformation or death (Ashworth and Antipatis, 2001). The role of minerals in the catalytic function of metalloenzymes is one reason for their importance, and as such they are essential incellular metabolism. Trace minerals are also involved in cell differentiation. Zinc, in particular, plays a role in cell proliferation, turnover, and apoptosis (Fraker, 2004). These processes play a vital role in the normal development of vertebrate embryos. The consequences of trace mineral imbalance during incubation may only become evident after hatching but may be unresponsive to supplementation at that point (Kienholz, Turk, Sunde and Hoekstra, 1961).