Magnesium in Poultry Nutrition: A Vital yet Underexplored Element

Magnesium (Mg), an essential mineral in poultry nutrition, plays a critical role in cellular metabolism, bone development, and the overall health of poultry. Despite its importance, Mg has not received as much research attention as other minerals like calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P).

This article explores the complex interactions of Mg with other nutrients, its effects on poultry performance, and its potential role in enhancing meat quality and stress resistance.

Key Points

1. Role of Magnesium in Poultry Metabolism
   Magnesium is indispensable for amino acid metabolism, bone health, and the functioning of enzymes in poultry. It also impacts muscle coordination and poultry growth, particularly in young chicks.
2. Interactions with Calcium and Phosphorus
   Mg interacts with Ca and P in ways that influence bone integrity and metabolic balance. Imbalances can lead to growth issues, bone malformation, or egg production challenges in layers.
3. Dietary Sources and Requirements
   While Mg is naturally abundant in common feed ingredients, the Mg requirements of poultry vary based on age, diet composition, and environmental factors.
4. Supplementation Effects
   Mg supplementation can improve meat quality and antioxidant defence, especially under heat stress. However, excessive supplementation may lead to nutrient imbalances and digestive issues.
5. Research Gaps and Future Directions
   More studies are needed to understand Mg’s role in modern poultry breeds, particularly concerning its availability, interactions with other nutrients, and effects under stress conditions.

Best Source of Magnesium in Poultry Diets

Most poultry feeds contain adequate Mg to meet the needs of birds. For instance, a typical corn-soy diet provides Mg levels well above the recommended thresholds, reducing the necessity for supplementation.

The Effects of Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium deficiency in poultry manifests as poor growth, muscle tremors, and decreased egg production in layers. Prolonged deficiency can lead to severe health issues, including convulsions and high mortality rates. In layers, insufficient Mg affects eggshell quality due to disrupted Ca metabolism.

The Risks and Health Benefits of Magnesium Supplementation in Poultry

1. Performance Enhancement
   Mg supplementation can enhance meat quality and oxidative stability by mitigating reactive oxygen species production.
2. Stress Management
   In heat-stressed poultry, Mg improves antioxidant enzyme activity, reducing oxidative damage, enhancing growth, and reducing heat-stress in poultry.
3. Risks of Over-Supplementation
   Excess Mg can cause diarrhoea in chicken, reduced nutrient absorption, and antagonistic effects with Ca and P, leading to bone health issues.

Guidelines for Magnesium Requirements

While these recommendations provide a basis, modern poultry lines may have different Mg requirements due to improved genetics and performance capabilities.

Conclusion

Magnesium is a critical yet often overlooked component of poultry nutrition. Its inclusion in diets supports optimal growth, bone development, and stress resistance. However, careful consideration is needed to avoid imbalances that could harm bird health and performance. 

Future research should focus on refining Mg requirements for modern poultry breeds and understanding its role in stress management and nutrient interactions.

References

• Shastak, Y., & Rodehutscord, M. (2015). Magnesium in poultry nutrition. World’s Poultry Science Journal, Vol. 71, March 2015.
• McDonald, P., et al. (2011). Animal Nutrition. Pearson Education.
• NRC (1994). Nutrient Requirements of Poultry. National Academy Press.