Abstract
Simple SummaryA significant problem of birds reared in farms and then reintroduced to natural living environment is their survival, which is usually much lower than that of the free-living ones. Behavioral and physiological deficiencies rather than morphological anatomy decide about failure, nevertheless, the birds’ body condition, including quality and maturity of skeletal system, are also important. In this context, the problem of proper nutrition for growing game birds is a major one. The level and source of microelements, as well as the source of protein are the main factors affecting bone growth in young captive-reared birds. Since calcium, zinc, iron, and copper are critical nutrients in all practical diets, this experiment was undertaken to determine the possibility of the partial inclusion of organic forms of these elements to the diet of pheasants in order to improve their bone development and survival.This study analyzed the effects of partial replacing of Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cu salts with glycine chelates on the measures of bones health in 16-week-old captive-reared male pheasants, allocated to one of the three experimental groups supplemented with Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cu in forms of inorganic salts (the control group) or groups receiving from the ninth week 25% and 50% of supplemented elements as glycine chelates. At the end of rearing birds receiving chelates were heavier (p < 0.001) and their tibia showed an increase of numerous mechanical parameters: yield and ultimate force (p = 0.028, p < 0.001, respectively), stiffness (p = 0.007), Young modulus (p < 0.001), compared to the control animals. The bones of birds receiving chelates in 50% were also heavier (p < 0.001) and longer (p = 0.014), with thinner cortical bone in midshaft (p = 0.027) and thicker proximal trabeculae (p < 0.001) compared to the control. While both doses of chelates increased mineral density in midshaft (p = 0.040), bone content of Cu and Zn decreased (p = 0.025, p < 0.001, respectively). The content of immature collagen in cancellous bone and articular cartilage increased in groups receiving chelates (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, glycine chelates probably enhanced development of the skeletal system in male pheasants as bones were denser and more resistant to mechanical damage.
Highlights
The primary purpose of captive-reared pheasants in many European countries, including the United Kingdom and Poland, is their reintroduction to the natural living environment [1,2,3,4]
We found no studies concerning the assessment of the development of the skeletal system and bone quality of pheasants from a breeding farm
As a tibia serves as the model bone in studies on the quality of the skeleton of captive-reared birds, the aim of the study was to determine the effect of partial replacing calcium, iron, zinc, and copper salts with glycine chelates on the tibia mineral composition, mechanical properties, and histomorphometry of trabecular bone in male pheasants originating from aviary breeding
Summary
The primary purpose of captive-reared pheasants in many European countries, including the United Kingdom and Poland, is their reintroduction to the natural living environment [1,2,3,4]. A significant problem of birds reared in farms and reintroduced to natural living environment is their survival, which is usually much lower than 10% [5,6]. Calcium is one of the main elements involved in skeletal mineralization and mechanical strength of bones [9,10]. Zinc is necessary for normal growth and bone development. Zinc deficiency results in reduction of weight gain, skeletal malformation and insufficient mineralization [11,12,13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
