Impact of Vitamin and Mineral Imbalances on Poultry Lameness: Causes and Management

Isaac Mugweru

Researcher

14 min read
22/01/2025
Impact of Vitamin and Mineral Imbalances on Poultry Lameness: Causes and Management
 

Introduction

Poultry lameness is a common issue that affects the well-being and productivity of birds, often leading to significant economic losses for farmers. Various factors contribute to this condition, with vitamin and mineral imbalances playing a pivotal role in the development of skeletal deformities and mobility issues. Understanding the impact of deficiencies in essential nutrients such as vitamins D3, A, and B, along with critical minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and zinc, is crucial for effective prevention and management.

Impact of Vitamin Imbalances on Poultry Lameness

  • Vitamin D3 Deficiency: Vitamin D3 plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone mineralization (Barbosa et al., 2022; Asnayanti et al., 2024). A deficiency in Vitamin D3 can lead to poor bone quality and skeletal issues that contribute to lameness (Kierończyk et al., 2017; Barbosa et al., 2022; Liu et al., 2023). Supplementing with adequate levels of vitamin D3 is essential for preventing bone disorders. The active metabolite of vitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3, is particularly important for bone health (Kierończyk et al., 2017). This is a call to farmers who rush to supplement their flocks with calcium once they identify lameness among members of the flock. While Calcium deficiency might be the case, it is important to engage with an animal nutritionist for prompt diagnosis. A good calcium supplement should also have Vitamin D3 for efficient absorption and utilization in the bird's body.
  • Vitamin A Deficiency: Vitamin A is important for bone development and deficiency can affect the skeletal system. A lack of vitamin A can cause leg problems which makes supplementation of Vitamin A key in maintaining bone integrity and preventing lameness issues associated with its deficiency (Liu et al., 2023).
  • B Vitamins: Several B vitamins play roles in bone and nerve health. For instance, pyridoxine (vitamin B6) deficiency has been shown to affect biomechanical properties of bone. Deficiencies in these B vitamins can contribute to skeletal and neurological issues that result in lameness. Supplementation with B vitamins such as riboflavin, can help alleviate lameness by ensuring proper nerve and bone function (Gajanand et al., 2018; Liu et al., 2023; Yilmaz, 2024).
  • Vitamin E Importance: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that plays a role in overall health. While it may not directly cause lameness, its deficiency can impair the bird's immune response and make it more susceptible to infections that can lead to lameness (Gajanand et al., 2018; Liu et al., 2023).
  • Choline Deficiency: Choline is important for various metabolic functions. While not as directly linked to bone health, choline deficiency can impair overall development and affect bone health. Ensuring sufficient levels of choline through supplementation is helpful to maintain overall health and reduce predisposition to lameness issues (Liu et al., 2023).

Balancing Vitamins is Key

  • Supplementation needs to be done with the correct balance of vitamins. Inadequate formulation may lead to malnutrition and intestinal disorders. For example, excessive vitamin A can negatively impact bone quality. Thus, it is about supplementing and ensuring a balance that supports overall health and bone development (Kierończyk et al., 2017; Freihold et al., 2019).

Specific Supplementation Strategies

  • Supplementing with Vitamin D3, particularly at higher levels, can help improve bone quality while ensuring appropriate calcium and phosphorus levels (Kierończyk et al., 2017; Liu et al., 2023). Supplementation of B Vitamins is also needed to maintain nerve health. It's important to note that Vitamin C is not usually required because poultry can synthesize it (Gajanand et al., 2018).

Monitoring and Prevention

  • Regular monitoring of vitamin levels and ensuring adequate supplementation are essential steps in preventing vitamin deficiency-related lameness in poultry. It is better to prevent lameness by ensuring proper nutrition rather than trying to treat it when it occurs (Gajanand et al., 2018; Freihold et al., 2019).

Impact of Minerals Imbalances on Poultry Lameness

  • Calcium and Phosphorus: These minerals are essential for bone development and strength. An imbalance in calcium and phosphorus can lead to skeletal deformities and lameness. The correct ratio and levels of both are vital for optimal bone mineralization. Supplementing with appropriate levels of calcium and phosphorus ensures healthy bone growth and prevents lameness (Barbosa et al., 2022; Liu et al., 2023).
  • Zinc Deficiency: Zinc plays a critical role in bone metabolism, cartilage formation and immune function. A deficiency can result in poor bone development, cartilage abnormalities, and increased susceptibility to infections, all contributing to lameness. Supplementing poultry birds with organic zinc has been shown to improve bone health and reduce lameness. Organic forms are more bioavailable, enhancing absorption and utilisation. Zinc is also important for the immune system and its deficiency may predispose birds to lameness inducing bacterial infections (Kierończyk et al., 2017; Freihold et al., 2019; Alharbi et al., 2024; Asnayanti et al., 2024).
  • Manganese Deficiency: Manganese is important for cartilage and bone formation ,and its deficiency leads to skeletal abnormalities and lameness. Supplementation with manganese is critical to ensure proper skeletal development and prevent lameness (Liu et al., 2023; Alharbi et al., 2024).
  • Copper Deficiency: Copper is essential for collagen cross-linking, which is vital for bone strength and integrity. A deficiency can result in weak bones that are more prone to fractures and contribute to lameness. Supplementation with copper, especially in organic forms, helps maintain proper bone structure and prevent lameness (Liu et al., 2023; Alharbi et al., 2024).
  • Magnesium: Magnesium is involved in bone metabolism and muscle function. Deficiencies can lead to skeletal and neurological issues, which lead to lameness. Ensuring adequate supplement intake can improve bone health and reduce lameness (Kierończyk et al., 2017; Alharbi et al., 2024).
  • Iron: Though not directly linked to lameness, iron is crucial for general health, and deficiencies can impair overall development. It's important to ensure sufficient iron levels, particularly if using organic forms, to prevent any potential impact on overall health. Studies show that using organic forms of minerals, including iron, improves their bioavailability and utilisation (Liu et al., 2023).
  • Selenium: Selenium works with Vitamin E as an antioxidant and plays a role in immune response and muscle health. Although it doesn't directly cause lameness, it is important in reducing susceptibility to diseases (Khan et al., 2021).
  • Mineral Interactions: It's crucial to consider mineral interactions. For example, high levels of one mineral can interfere with the absorption of another. It’s important to maintain a balance to prevent any kind of deficiency (Alharbi et al., 2024; Khan et al., 2021).
  • Phytate and Mineral Absorption: Phytates, found in plant-based feed components, can bind to minerals, reducing their bioavailability. Using phytase enzymes in feed can improve mineral absorption, which helps in preventing mineral deficiencies (Kierończyk et al., 2017).
  • Organic vs. Inorganic Minerals: Supplementing with organic forms of minerals (e.g., zinc, copper, and manganese amino acid complexes) can improve mineral absorption and utilization compared to inorganic forms. This enhanced absorption is beneficial in preventing mineral deficiencies and lameness (Alharbi et al., 2024; Kierończyk et al., 2017).

Impact of Mineral and Vitamin Interactions on Poultry Lameness

  • Vitamin D and Calcium/Phosphorus: Vitamin D plays a vital role in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for bone development. A vitamin D deficiency hinders calcium and phosphorus absorption, leading to weak bones and increased lameness. Ensuring sufficient vitamin D levels is paramount for proper mineral utilization. Supplementation with vitamin D, along with balanced calcium and phosphorus, is crucial to maintaining bone integrity (Liu et al., 2023; Alharbi et al., 2024).
  • Zinc and Vitamin A: Zinc is important for bone metabolism and immune function, while vitamin A is essential for bone development and integrity. An imbalance between these two nutrients can negatively affect bone health, increasing the risk of lameness. Supplementation should consider the interaction of these two nutrients to ensure optimal bone health. A deficiency in either nutrient impairs bone growth and development, which can lead to lameness (Aydin, 2018; Alharbi, Asnayanti et al., 2024; Asnayanti et al., 2024).
  • Vitamin E and Selenium: Vitamin E and selenium act as antioxidants and support the immune system. While neither directly impacts bone, their deficiency can impair immune function, making the birds more susceptible to infections that induce lameness. Proper supplementation of these nutrients enhances immunity and overall health (Kierończyk et al., 2017; Asnayanti et al., 2024).
  • B Vitamins and Mineral Absorption: Some B vitamins, like riboflavin and pyridoxine, are essential for bone and nerve health. Deficiencies can affect bone biomechanics and nerve function, contributing to lameness. B vitamins also facilitate mineral absorption and utilization. Supplementing with B vitamins can help maintain optimal nerve and bone function and improve mineral absorption (Yilmaz, 2024).
  • Manganese and Vitamin D: Adequate levels of manganese are important for bone and cartilage development. A manganese deficiency can lead to skeletal deformities and lameness. Vitamin D works together with manganese to maintain healthy bone structure. Supplementation should address any imbalances between manganese and Vitamin D to promote proper bone development (Liu et al., 2023).
  • Phytates and Mineral-Vitamin Interactions: Phytates in feed can bind to minerals and inhibit their absorption. This affects mineral and vitamin utilization, impacting bone health. Adding phytase enzymes to feed improves mineral absorption and, therefore, supports the function of vitamins like vitamin D (Kierończyk et al., 2017; Phibbs et al., 2021).
  • Balancing Mineral and Vitamin Supplementation: Over-supplementation of one nutrient can disrupt the absorption and utilization of others. For example, excess calcium can interfere with the absorption of other minerals, or too much vitamin A can negatively affect bone quality. A balanced approach is crucial, ensuring that mineral and vitamin supplementation is tailored to the specific needs of the birds. Regular monitoring and adjustments to the supplementation plan are essential (Kierończyk et al., 2017; Phibbs et al., 2021; Alharbi, Asnayanti et al., 2024).
  • Organic Minerals and Vitamin Efficacy: Using organic forms of minerals can enhance their bioavailability, thus increasing their effectiveness. These minerals can work synergistically with vitamins to support optimal bone health. Supplementation should be designed to enhance the overall efficacy of vitamins and minerals (Kierończyk et al., 2017; Alharbi, Asnayanti, et al., 2024).
  • Monitoring and Adjustment: Regular monitoring of the birds, including observation of gait and bone development, is essential for the early detection of imbalances. Accordingly, adjustments to the diet and supplementation plan should be made.

Role of Probiotics/Direct-Fed Microbials in Preventing Poultry Lameness

  • Gut Health and Bone Development: Probiotics and DFMs play a key role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, which is vital for nutrient absorption and bone development. An appropriate balance of microflora is essential for proper growth and skeletal development (Bielke et al., 2017; Chen et al., 2022).
  • Reducing Gut Inflammation: Probiotics can help reduce gut inflammation, indirectly impacting bone health. Studies show that gut inflammation can lead to bone loss. By promoting a healthy gut environment, probiotics help to prevent systemic inflammation that can negatively impact bone health and cause lameness (Bielke et al., 2017; Chen et al., 2022).
  • Improving Mineral Absorption: A healthy gut can enhance the absorption of essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and zinc, which are crucial for bone strength and integrity. Probiotics can improve the bioavailability of these minerals by producing enzymes like phytase, which can help to reduce the binding of minerals by phytates, thus improving their absorption (Chen et al., 2022; Xu et al., 2022).
  • Modulating the Gut Microbiota: Probiotics can help to restore the gut microbiota, thereby preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This can prevent digestive disorders and improve overall health. A balanced gut microbiome is crucial for preventing bacterial infections that can lead to lameness (Chen et al., 2022).
  • Specific Probiotic Strains: Certain strains of bacteria, like Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus, and Enterococcus faecium, have shown promise in improving bone health and reducing lameness. Bacillus species, for example, can produce antimicrobial compounds that combat harmful pathogens. These probiotics improve bone mass and alter broilers' brain serotonergic and dopaminergic systems (Bielke et al., 2017; Chen et al., 2022; Kogut, 2022; Xu et al., 2022).
  • Reducing Bacterial Chondronecrosis: Probiotics can help prevent bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO), a major cause of lameness in broilers. Certain probiotics have been shown to reduce the incidence of BCO. The use of probiotics can reduce the need for antibiotics, which can also negatively impact gut health and bone development (Bielke et al., 2017; Chen et al., 2022).
  • Immune System Support: Probiotics can enhance the immune system, which is important in preventing infections that can lead to lameness. By modulating immune pathways and promoting immune quiescence in the gut, probiotics can help the body to defend itself against harmful bacteria that cause lameness (Bielke et al., 2017; Liu et al., 2023).
  • Direct-Fed Microbials (DFM): DFM, particularly spore-forming bacteria like Bacillus, are heat-stable and can withstand the pelletisation process, making them easy to use in feed. DFMs can also produce enzymes that improve nutrient digestibility, reduce digesta viscosity, and improve bone mineralization (Bielke et al., 2017).
  • Improved Intestinal Integrity: Some probiotics can improve the gut's barrier function which enhances the absorption of nutrients. A leaky gut can lead to systemic inflammation and poor bone health. Probiotics improve intestinal integrity by strengthening the tight junctions between enterocytes, preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream (Bielke et al., 2017; Xu et al., 2022).
  • Supplementation Strategies: Probiotics can be administered through feed or water. Regular and consistent use of probiotics in poultry diets is essential for achieving a positive effect on gut and bone health (Bielke et al., 2017; Chen et al., 2022).

Regular monitoring of poultry for any signs of lameness is crucial. Using gait scoring systems can help in early detection of lameness and assessing the effectiveness of probiotic interventions (Owen, 2017; Aydin, 2018; Phibbs et al., 2021).

Conclusion

Effective management of poultry lameness requires a comprehensive understanding of how nutrition impacts skeletal health. Mineral and vitamin interactions are crucial; deficiencies or imbalances in Vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, selenium, B vitamins, and manganese can all contribute to weak bones and increased lameness. Phytates in feed can also hinder mineral absorption, necessitating phytase enzymes to improve nutrient availability. Furthermore, the gut microbiome plays a vital role in nutrient absorption and overall skeletal health. Probiotics and direct-fed microbials (DFMs) can improve gut health by reducing inflammation, enhancing mineral absorption, and supporting the immune system. Specific strains like Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus can help prevent bacterial chondronecrosis and improve bone mineralization.

Gaps in Understanding and Future Research

  • Microbiota Diversity: More research is needed to understand the specific roles of diverse microbial communities in the gut and how they interact with dietary components to affect bone health. There is a need to study the spatial organization of the gut microbiota to use diet and feed supplements to improve gut health (Kogut, 2022).
  • Nutrient Ratios: Future studies should investigate the optimal ratios of minerals and vitamins, especially in low-protein diets, to better prevent lameness (Kidd et al., 2021).
  • Long-term Probiotic Effects: Longitudinal studies should assess the long-term effectiveness of different probiotic strains on bone development and lameness prevention (Xu et al., 2022).
  • Precision Nutrition: More work is required to use the gut microbiome as a biomarker to predict responsiveness to specific dietary constituents to generate precision diets for optimal poultry health (Kogut, 2022).

By addressing these knowledge gaps, both farmers and researchers can refine nutritional strategies to significantly reduce lameness in poultry and improve overall well-being.

References