title: Effect of aluminum on performance and mineral metabolism in young chicks and laying hens.
abstract: This study was performed to determine the long-term effects of dietary aluminum on egg production and reproductive parameters in the mature laying hen and on growth rate and feed efficiency in young chicks. The diets used in these studies were adequate in phosphorus and other essential nutrients. Aluminum added to constitute 0.30% of the diet severely depressed growth and reduced feed efficiency, bone ash and plasma phosphorus in male Ross x Leghorn chicks. At the same time, 0.15% added aluminum mildly depressed growth, feed efficiency and bone ash but had no effect on plasma phosphorus levels. The reduction in bone ash was relatively mild, and no clinical signs of rickets were observed. In laying hens, diets containing 0.15% added aluminum did not affect egg production, but 0.30% added aluminum reduced production significantly. Long-term exposure to aluminum increased percent shell in both groups receiving aluminum, whereas egg weight remained similar to that in controls. There were no changes in hatchability or bone ash associated with dietary aluminum. Although dietary aluminum influenced bone aluminum content, egg aluminum content was not affected. These studies indicate that dietary aluminum interferes with systems in addition to phosphorus metabolism.
authors.affiliation: Department of Poultry Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802.
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Wisser
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Heinrichs
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Leach
mesh_terms: D000535:Aluminum / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D002645:Chickens; D004032:Diet; D004531:Eggs / Q000032:analysis; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005527:Food, Fortified; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D010058:Oviposition / Q000187:drug effects*; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000097:blood; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D008903:Minerals; D010758:Phosphorus; D000535:Aluminum; D002118:Calcium