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Journal of Nutrition Vol. 120 No. 5 May 1990, pp. 493-498
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Effect of Aluminum on Performance and Mineral Metabolism in Young Chicks and Laying Hens1

Lois A. Wisser, Brenda S. Heinrichs and Roland M. Leach

Department of Poultry Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802

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.

KEY WORDS: • aluminum toxicity • eggshell formation • egg aluminum • hens • chicks

1 Paper no. 8167 in the journal series of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station.

Manuscript received 19 April 1989. Revision accepted 13 October 1989.






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