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Tibia development in turkeys and chickens as affected by early-age feed restriction
S Hurwitz1, E Livne, I Plavnik
1Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel.
Growth, Development, and Aging : GDA
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Early-age feed restriction in chickens and turkeys temporarily reduces tibia growth, but bone development fully recovers with resumed feeding. Chondrocyte activity is key to longitudinal bone growth, while metaphyseal width is unaffected by restriction.
Area of Science:
- Comparative Animal Physiology
- Skeletal Biology
- Avian Growth and Development
Background:
- Tibia development is crucial for poultry growth and market readiness.
- Understanding bone development under nutritional stress informs livestock management.
- Early-life nutrition significantly impacts skeletal maturation in birds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of early-age severe feed restriction on tibia development in chickens and turkeys.
- To analyze the impact of feed restriction on longitudinal bone growth and metaphyseal width.
- To determine the recovery potential of bone growth following feed restriction.
Main Methods:
- Histomorphometry was used to study tibia development in male chickens and turkeys.
- Birds were subjected to early-age (1-week) severe feed restriction or fed ad libitum.
- Bone growth rates, epiphyseal and metaphyseal width, and cellular activity were measured.
Main Results:
- Early-age feed restriction reduced longitudinal bone growth and epiphyseal width in both species.
- Metaphyseal width growth was unaffected by feed restriction and peaked later in turkeys.
- Rhythmic variations in growth plate zones and subchondral bone were observed, unaffected by restriction.
- Compensatory growth led to full recovery of bone variables after feed restriction was lifted.
Conclusions:
- Chondrocyte hypertrophy is a primary determinant of longitudinal bone growth.
- Early-age feed restriction transiently impairs skeletal development but allows for complete compensatory growth.
- Skeletal development exhibits distinct growth patterns for longitudinal and width dimensions, with varying sensitivities to nutritional stress.