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Osteopathy in broiler chicks fed toxic mimosine in Leucaena leucocephala
1Laboratories of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of The Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.
Abstract:
Further studies of mimosine toxicity in broiler chicks were done to clarify a possibility of osteopathy. The mineral content and density of femur and the strength, ductility, and toughness for the index of mechanical properties significantly decreased in the 1% mimosine group, compared with those in the control and restricted groups. The stiffness had a decreasing tendency in the 1% mimosine group. Consequently, it was concluded that chicks fed ad libitum a 1% mimosine diet for 12 days developed osteopathy. The bone mineral density and the strength of the restricted group were lower than those of the control group, and those of the 1% mimosine group were still lower than those of the restricted group. Contents of pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline in the excrement were significantly higher in the restricted group than those in the control group, but the contents in the 1% mimosine group were significantly lowest among the groups. Osteopathy in chicks fed mimosine, therefore, seemed to be done by loss of appetite and changing to a low turnover of bone caused by mimosine.
Insights
Mimosine toxicity in broiler chicks can cause osteopathy, leading to decreased bone density and mechanical properties. This bone disease is linked to reduced appetite and lower bone turnover rates.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Toxicology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Mimosine is a compound found in certain plants that can exhibit toxicity.
- Osteopathy, a bone disease, has been suspected in poultry fed mimosine-containing diets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of mimosine toxicity on bone health in broiler chicks.
- To clarify the potential for mimosine to induce osteopathy.
Main Methods:
- Broiler chicks were fed diets with 1% mimosine ad libitum for 12 days.
- Control and restricted feeding groups were used for comparison.
- Femur mineral content, density, mechanical properties (strength, ductility, toughness), and excrement collagen cross-links were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A 1% mimosine diet significantly decreased femur mineral content, density, strength, ductility, and toughness.
- Bone mineral density and strength were lower in restricted groups compared to controls, and further reduced in the mimosine group.
- Excrement pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline levels were highest in the restricted group and lowest in the mimosine group.
Conclusions:
- Chicks fed a 1% mimosine diet for 12 days developed osteopathy.
- Mimosine-induced osteopathy appears to result from appetite loss and reduced bone turnover.
- Dietary mimosine negatively impacts bone health and mechanical integrity in broiler chicks.