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Magnesium in animal nutrition
Katalin Kovácsné Gaál1, Orsolya Sáfár, László Gulyás
1University of West-Hungary, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Institute of Animal Breeding, 9200 Mosonmagyaróvár Vár 4., Hungary. gaal@mtk.nyme.hu
Journal of the American College of Nutrition
|January 8, 2005
Summary
Magnesium supplementation boosts animal feed digestibility and reproductive success in livestock. While it enhances growth and egg production, it does not change embryo visceral composition.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Reproductive Physiology
- Poultry Science
Background:
- Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral for animal health.
- Dietary Mg impacts various physiological processes.
- Previous studies indicate Mg benefits livestock performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of magnesium supplementation on feed digestibility and reproductive parameters in various livestock.
- To assess the impact of increased Mg intake on growth, egg production, and hatching yield.
- To investigate the influence of Mg on embryo visceral composition.
Main Methods:
- Supplementation of diets with varying levels of magnesium.
- Monitoring feed intake and digestibility.
- Assessing reproductive metrics such as service period and egg production.
- Analyzing visceral composition of embryos.
Main Results:
- Magnesium supplementation significantly improved feed digestibility across species.
- Reproductive performance in cows and sows was enhanced, with a shortened service period.
- Broiler weight gain and laying hen egg production increased with Mg supplementation.
- Egg quality and hatching yield were positively affected by increased Mg intake.
- No alterations in visceral composition of embryos were observed, despite potential Mg storage in brain and liver.
Conclusions:
- Magnesium supplementation is a valuable strategy for improving feed efficiency and reproductive outcomes in farm animals.
- Increased Mg intake positively influences growth, egg production, and hatching success.
- While the brain and liver may store excess magnesium, embryo visceral composition remains unaffected.
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